Olivier Giroud has not always been the most popular of players with the Arsenal fans, but the France international has always given his all since joining the Gunners from the French club Montpellier in the summer of 2012. And although the big centre forward was not the free scoring replacement for the little boy that is Robin van Persie that we hoped for, just imagine how much we would have struggled without him.
So for me at least, the pictures of the 28-year old back in training at the Arsenal complex at London Colney are very welcome indeed. Do not forget, Gooners, that Giroud has scored and been intrinsically involved with some of the best and most important Arsenal goals in the last two years. Here is a little reminder for you from last season.
He was voted as Man of the Match after his sublime 25-yard goal sealed the Community Shield against Man City in the season opener and his delicate and pinpoint flick enabled Jack Wilshere to score the best goal of last season against Norwich City. And he was also Arsenal’s top scorer last season with a very respectable 22 goals.
But with Danny Welbeck and Alexis Sanchez forming a good understanding in his absence, where will the Frenchman fit back into the team? Will Wenger stick with his lone front man approach and choose between Welbeck and Giroud or will he move Welbeck out to the left where he has often played for Man United and England.
Or will the boss get adventurous and play both strikers in a 4-4-2 formation? I for one would love to see this and think we could do some serious damage to opposing defences with those two up front and Alexis joining in from behind. It might not be the right tactic against big clubs like Chelsea, when you need to be stronger in midfield, but against teams where we expect to dominate the ball and the game, Giroud and Welbeck could spell double trouble. What do you think Gooners?