There were some reports in the football media this week that suggested that the Arsenal and France international centre forward Olivier Giroud could miss the Euro 2016 semi-final with Germany tonight after the big man picked up a minor knee problem in training, but he is clearly fit enough for the starting line up named by Didier Deschamps.
And after he played a major role in getting France past Iceland I think he could be a key man for Les Bleus again today, just as his Arsenal team mate Laurent Koscielny could be at the other end. Both Gunners have seen their lives made easier for this game and if they make the most of these advantages it should see the host nation lining up to face Portugal in the final on Sunday.
The Germany centre back Mats Hummels is suspended after picking up a second booking of the tournament in the last match and surely Giroud will feel better about life with Germany missing one of the best centre backs in the world. I would put Koscielny up there as well and he also has a boost ahead of this crunch match because Germany lost their only real centre forward Mario Gomez to injury.
Of course there is always the creative genius of Mesut Ozil and top quality throughout the German team to consider but having been weakened in those two key areas of defence and attack I reckon that France and their Arsenal duo have the edge. What do you think Gooners?
Bob.