Arsenal: Olivier Giroud admits spell out of first team gave him a 'shot in the arm'

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud has admitted Arsene Wenger was right to bench him, saying his time out of the first-team gave him the "shot in the arm" he needs to rediscover his best form. After starting the season as the club's first-choice striker, Giroud made way for Theo Walcott in the centre forward role.

The France international started on the bench in eight games as the Gunners boss looked to Walcott to lead his attack, but injury to the England international reopened the door for Giroud in late October.

Since getting back into the first team Giroud has scored four goals in six appearances, and the former Montpellier striker believes his spell out of the team did him well after be coming a little too comfortable with his role.

"After the fact, you could say that it was beneficial," Giroud told Le Parisien. "I made a solid comeback and I'm even stronger again. You always need a little shot in the arm when you're feeling comfortable.

"It's always good to question yourself... it's not a bad thing, from time to time, to be faced with your responsibilities. You have to remain focused on the basics and never give up. You have to respond when you're called upon."

Giroud, 29, is expected to start for France in their coming international friendlies against Germany and England. He has been the Gunners' only recognised first-team option at centre forward in recent weeks after Walcott suffered a calf problem in the 3-0 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday in Arsenal's Capital One Cup elimination, ruling him out for three weeks.

Danny Welbeck is also a long-term absentee, having not played for the club since April. The former Manchester United striker underwent surgery in September to address a persistent knee problem and is not expected to return until the New Year.