Arsenal Striker Giroud Available for Manchester United Clash but Doubt Remains Over Welbeck Fitness

Arsenal will have Olivier Giroud available for the visit of Manchester United on Saturday, Arsene Wenger has confirmed.

The Frenchman has been ruled out since August after suffering a broken tibia in the 2-2 draw with Everton but has made rapid progress in his recovery.

Although a starting role is unlikely after such a lengthy lay-off, Wenger has confirmed the striker could have a role to play against Louis van Gaal's side, along with Mikel Arteta who has recovered from a hamstring strain.

"Giroud and Arteta are both available. It's just a question of how ready they are. But they are available," Wenger told the club's official website.

"He is three or four weeks ahead of schedule. Originally we planned to have him back for competition at the beginning of next year. So he's one month ahead."

The Gunners boss provided no update over the fitness of Danny Welbeck however, who suffered a hamstring strain during England's 3-1 win over Scotland on Tuesday.

United will arrive with a lengthy injury list of their own but Arsenal will be without defenders Laurent Koscielny, Mathieu Debuchy, midfielder Abou Diaby and record signing Mesut Ozil. Goalkeeper David Ospina also remains an absentee after suffering a knee injury.

Wenger however feels the injury problems that have undermined their opening four months of the season are beginning to clear up.

"Koscielny and Debuchy are doing well, they are out on the field [working] again", he continued.

"We have to see now. Usually field work is three weeks away from full group training. Then there is fitness. It looks straightforward for Debuchy. It's not inflammation, it's just repairing surgery. For Koscielny, it depends how well he responds to training. At the moment he looks good."