Olivier Giroud Injury: Latest on Arsenal Star After Collision with James Tomkins
Arsenal have revealed striker Olivier Giroud did not suffer a concussion after clashing heads with James Tomkins in the Gunners' shock home loss to West Ham United on Aug. 9. As expected, he started against Crystal Palace on Sunday, Aug. 16.
Players rushed to Giroud's aid after the incident, placing the Frenchman on his side after it appeared he had been rendered unconscious, but the club took to social media to refute this notion:
The Arsenal player had leaped to meet a cross, but the West Ham defender jumped from behind, leading to a sickening clash of heads.
Both individuals appeared to be seriously injured at first glance, but the pair surprisingly continued after a delay for treatment.
Giroud saw out the 90 minutes as Arsenal chased the game. Theo Walcott and Alexis Sanchez came off the bench to join him in attack for the closing stages.
Giroud was preferred to Walcott at the start of the match, with the England international ineffective in the previous week's Community Shield victory over Chelsea.
But the France international did not have the greatest day at the office, with the Gunners failing in the final third of the pitch.
Football writer Ben Fairthorne weighed up the striker's contribution against the Hammers:
Arsene Wenger must have been pleased Giroud was not seriously hurt, as he is the only attacker who gives his side a physical presence in the box. Walcott and Sanchez will undoubtedly provide goals, but the Arsenal boss will need Giroud to add balance this season.
