Giroud to make Arsenal return ahead of schedule, says Wenger

The striker broke his foot in August and was expected to be sidelined until January, while his manager is confident the France international and Danny Welbeck can play together

Arsene Wenger expected Olivier Giroud to return from a broken foot sooner than expected for Arsenal.

The striker damaged his foot during the 2-2 draw with Everton in August and was initially ruled out until January.

But Wenger is hopeful of calling upon Giroud sooner after the France international underwent surgery.

"Olivier Giroud is recovering very well," he told beIN Sports. "I believe he is ahead of schedule in terms of rehabilitation. The operation went perfectly.”

Following Giroud's injury, Wenger sealed a €20 million deadline-day deal for Danny Welbeck.

Welbeck has scored four goals since his arrival from Manchester United, replacing Giroud in a one-man forward line, but Wenger has no doubts the pair could play together - be it centrally or pushing one out wide.

He added: "Welbeck and [Giroud] can play together in the centre or separately.

"Welbeck also played on one side for Manchester United. Welbeck played in the same team with [Wayne] Rooney and [Robin] van Persie. He can play down the sides."