Arsene Wenger Won't Buy Striker Despite Olivier Giroud Setback

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is bracing himself for the worst as he awaits confirmation of Olivier Giroud's injury but will not be forced into a panic buy before the transfer window closes.

French international Giroud suffered the injury in the dying minutes of his side's 2-2 draw with Everton on Saturday and his manager confirmed this week the striker has seen a specialist to determine its severity.

L'Equipe suggests Giroud has suffered a broken foot that would rule him out for up to three months while the Mirror thinks the player's recovery could possibly continue into the early months of 2015.

Wenger admits the initial prognosis of Giroud's ankle was "not fantastic" but believes the club is adequately stocked in forward options, playing down the chances of a new arrival up front before Monday's transfer deadline.

"You cannot plan to get an injury like that, in the 94<sup>th minute. I still don't understand how he did it," Wenger said. "He overstretched his ankle. It was on the ball, not a contact (with another player). The problem is, I think, his tibia.

"We came back on Saturday night and he was at home on Sunday. He had a medical check and we needed to have further investigation.

"The first news is not fantastic, but I am not a doctor. So I wait for tomorrow's complete examination and decision for how long he will be out. We will inform you tomorrow afternoon, or night, at the latest.

"In England, as soon as you have a problem, people want you to buy (a replacement). Unfortunately I can give you clubs with plenty of players who every time they lose they have to buy more. But if you give the number of strikers we have, it is unbelievable."

Arsenal take on Besiktas on Wednesday evening with qualification for the group stages of the Champions League on the line. In addition to Giroud's absence, the Gunners are also without Aaron Ramsey, who will serve a suspension after being sent off in last week's first-leg clash in Turkey.