Arsene Wenger Confirms Olivier Giroud Will Return to Arsenal Training After International Break

Arsene Wenger has confirmed striker Olivier Giroud will be ready to return to training with the Arsenal first team after the upcoming international break in November.

The France international has been unavailable since early September after being forced to undergo surgery after suffering a broken tibia.

Giroud had been expected to miss the rest of 2014 but Wenger has suggested the former Montpellier star is 'miles ahead' of schedule and will rejoin training after the international break.

Arsenal's first game back after break comes at home to Manchester United in 22 November.

The Gunners boss did, however, confirm that Theo Walcott is not yet match fit after his lengthy lay off while Jack Wilshere's return to the Arsenal first team is likely to be delayed through injury.

The England international missed the 2-0 win over Sunderland last Saturday after picking up a suspension and had been expected to slot straight back into the first team.

But Wenger has confirmed the midfielder has joined the club's injury list – albeit on a short-term basis.

"There is a slight problem with Jack Wilshere," Wenger told a press conference. "He got a kick on his knee, it is very, very short term. I don't know if he will be fit for Tuesday (against Anderlecht). Certainly Swansea."

On Friday, the Gunners confirmed Yaya Sanogo will once again be available for selection after suffering a hamstring injury just two weeks into the season but hinted Kieran Gibbs may be a doubt with a hip problem.

However, the Arsenal boss was in a more positive mood Friday morning regarding his left-back's chances of appearing against Sean Dyche's Burnley side, telling reporters he was feeling "quite confident" over his involvement ahead of a late fitness test.

Arsenal's record of just three wins in their nine Premier League games has seen them fall off the pace in the opening months of the season and currently sitting nine points off leaders Chelsea.

But having already played Chelsea, City, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur, Wenger insists his side's current position is not a fair reflection of their title chances.

"[Our title odds] do not consider the teams we have played. I have a strong belief we'll come back," he said.

"We want to be good enough to get around teams who try and stop us from playing.

"Our attitude and dedication has been fantastic. On the efficiency front we could do better.