Arsenal Striker Olivier Giroud Ruled out of North London Derby vs. Tottenham

Olivier Giroud is unlikely to play a part in Saturday's north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur after Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger confirmed his frontman suffered a thigh injury during the international break. Danny Welbeck and Shkodran Mustafi are in contention to feature, though.  

Giroud picked up the knock during France's 2-0 friendly victory over Wales last week, per Sky Sports News:

Speaking to the media on Thursday ahead of the Premier League clash, Wenger said, per the Daily Mirror's Aaron Flanagan: "Giroud picked up an injury, I don't think he will be available. It's short term. We have to assess him on Monday."

The Arsenal lineup has been difficult to predict at times this season, with injuries and rotation leading to frequent change, although Mark Mann-Bryans of the Press Association noted one positive to come from Giroud's knock:

One figure who could help provide cover is Welbeck, who alongside Mustafi is set for a fitness test on Friday to see if he'll be ready for the derby.

Wenger added: "Mustafi will have a final check tomorrow, Welbeck as well. I will make decisions on them tomorrow."

Many Arsenal fans will have been yearning to see Alexandre Lacazette handed more minutes and full matches since coming to north London, and Giroud's absence will open the door for him on Saturday.

It is a particularly bitter pill for the forward to swallow after he initially played down the injury, via Goal:

Giroud has failed to start a league game under Wenger this season and may not be considered a critical first-team player, not to mention the fact the last of his two goals against Spurs came in September 2013, per Transfermarkt.

That said, Giroud has a knack for scoring vital goals and has already netted match-winners against Leicester City and Red Star Belgrade this term, leaving questions as to how much he'll be missed on Saturday.