Walcott admits Arsenal colleague Giroud is frustrated

The Gunners forward acknowledges that a lack of game time will be troubling the France international striker but considers him to be important to Arsene Wenger’s cause

Theo Walcott acknowledges that Olivier Giroud “will be frustrated” at finding himself out of the Arsenal starting XI, but feels that the Frenchman still has plenty to offer.

Arsene Wenger has tinkered with his forward line at the start of the 2016-17 campaign, with Alexis Sanchez being favoured in a central striking role.

Moving the Chilean inside from a wide berth has left Giroud on the outside looking in. He is having to make peace with life on the bench, with the Gunners opting to use him as more of an impact substitute than a regular starter.

Giroud has been making his mark, though, with a double against Sunderland followed by a late equaliser in a crunch Premier League encounter with Manchester United.

He also provided an assist in Sunday’s 3-1 victory over Bournemouth, offering another timely reminder to Wenger of his talents.

“Olivier’s strengths are fantastic,” Walcott said.

“I know he will be frustrated with the amount of games he has not played but, if you look at his scoring record and how effective he has been when he has been on the pitch – again [on Sunday against Bournemouth], coming off the bench and grabbing an assist.

“It just shows he keeps on reminding the manager what he can do.”

Giroud has also been on target in his last two Champions League outings, against Ludogorets and Paris Saint-Germain.

He has five goals for the season, but Alexis – who scored twice against Bournemouth – has doubled that return.

It may be that Giroud will be left frustrated again in midweek, with Wenger revealing on the back of victory over the Cherries that the 30-year-old is nursing a slight knock ahead of an EFL Cup quarter-final meeting with Southampton.

The boss explained: “He looked to touch his hamstring. We have to see how deep the damage is. He told me on his first movement he felt a twinge.”

The Gunners face the Saints at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday looking to make their way into the last four and keep open one route to major silverware.