Wenger: Ramsey & Giroud out for several more weeks

The Arsenal duo have been struggling with injury this season and the manager has revealed they will be given their own “pre-season” to build their fitness

Arsene Wenger has confirmed Olivier Giroud and Aaron Ramsey will be out for several more weeks as Arsenal will give them time to build up fitness.

Giroud has been struggling with a toe injury in recent weeks, while Ramsey has been out of action since picking up an injury in the Gunners’ opening game of the season.

And Wenger has confirmed the pair will not be back in contention for some time.

“Giroud will not be available. Ramsey will not be available,” the manager said ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Swansea.

“I’m disappointed because Ramsey has worked very hard and he had a few little setbacks that forced us to be cautious with him.

“He’s on the last stage, he’s building up his fitness. Next week will come too early for him.

“We have decided that we will give him a complete pre-season now, even if he misses more games. Giroud will be the same. We have to build his fitness up again.”

Arsenal lost at home to Swansea last season as they stumbled in their fight for the Premier League title and Wenger hopes to avoid the same mistakes.

“Last year we had a very negative experience with Swansea that killed our chance to win the championship.

“We have to re-focus because all the players have been away. We have to show we can deal with being favourites, we didn’t always do it last season.”

Former USA coach Bob Bradley has been appointed Swansea manager and Wenger believes he will be fine in his first voyage in the Premier League.

“Bradley has a big experience, he is not a beginner. He has travelled a lot,” he added.

“This is certainly for him a fantastic opportunity for him and the Premier League.

“He is equipped to deal with what is requested of him.”