Olivier Giroud and Santi Cazorla Deliver Mixed Injury News for Arsenal

Arsene Wenger will likely breathe a huge sigh of relief after Olivier Giroud declared himself fit for Wednesday’s Champions League opener at Marseille, but the news is not so good for Santi Cazorla. Giroud did not finish Saturday’s 3-1 victory over Sunderland, limping off in the second minute of injury-time with a damaged knee. However, he delivered a positive update on his fitness, quoted by Matthew Morlidge of the Daily Mail: “ It is not bad actually, not as bad as I first feared. I got a kick earlier in the game but no one was near me when I did it this time. I tried to connect with the ball a little bit too early and I caught my foot in the grass. I twisted my ankle but fortunately, it is nothing major. ” “ My knee is ok don't worry! Thanks for your support! 😉 — Olivier Giroud (@_OlivierGiroud_) September 14, 2013 ” Giroud might just be Arsenal’s most important player right now, given their lack of striking options. Lukas Podolski remains a long-term absentee, while Yaya Sanogo is inexperienced and returned from international duty lacking fitness. Theo Walcott offers an emergency option through the middle for Wenger but, after the signing of Mesut Ozil, his speed down the flank is a key part of Arsenal’s plans this season. Wenger confessed after the Sunderland game, per BBC Sport: "He (Giroud) is the player at the moment that would be very difficult [to replace]." Cazorla’s news is more troubling, with the Spaniard likely to be out until mid-October due to an ankle problem, according to BBC Sport.