Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has backed Olivier Giroud to return from injury and find his old-form once he returns, and he admits that his faith in the striker may stop him from signing anyone this month.
A lot of people have suggested that The Gunners are a world-class striker away from being a real European force once again, but according to Wenger, he believes Giroud is good enough to be their main striker.
Injuries to Theo Walcott, Lukas Podolski and Nicklas Bendtner had left Arsenal with just the one striker, but with Podolski returning, they now have the recognised duo, and Wenger believes he has enough at his disposal to not sign anybody this month.
“People want always new names, but what is important for us is that Giroud is back,” said Wenger, who has likened the Frenchman’s style to former Arsenal striker Alan Smith.
“He was a bit tired recently, but now he is refreshed and I am sure he will have a major impact on the second part of the season.
“When you speak to the coaches after the game they say ‘oh, what a client he is’.
“Giroud has qualities that the rest of the squad has not got, he always gives us that strength.
“We have small players who combine quickly, so to find someone who can hold it, keep the ball, make some room for other players, he does that very well and gives us a very good balance.”
Despite admitting Giroud is good enough, Wenger has revealed that it’s a gamble to put all his trust in just one main-striker.
“Yes, it is, that is why we are out there,” Wenger added.
“He’s a tough, tough boy. Even when the medical people say he should rest, he says: ‘I’m alright.’ He needed five stitches after the game at Newcastle.
“He played the whole game at Newcastle with an open ankle (wound) and without complaining – and when I took him off, he didn’t want to come off.
“He is always ready for a fight even when he is tired.”
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles
