Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud could be out until February with muscle tear – leaving January exit plan in tatters
It was originally thought French striker would miss less than a month
OLIVIER GIROUD has suffered a massive injury blow ahead of next summer's World Cup, according to reports in France.
The Arsenal striker pulled a hamstring in the 1-0 win over West Ham in midweek.
While Arsene Wenger said the Frenchman would be back in a matter of weeks, it now appears as if Giroud could be out until February.
The striker's agent is in London to talk with the Arsenal hierarchy, with Giroud linked with a move to Everton or West Ham.
He had wanted to leave in January to get more first-team football - the striker has started just one Premier League game this season.
French sports paper L'Equipe report that Giroud will miss the next SIX WEEKS.
That means he will be out of ten games for the Gunners over the busy Christmas period.
More importantly, a January move is now in tatters.
Giroud wanted first-team football to ensure his place in Didier Deschamps' World Cup squad.
The striker, 31, usually starts for France but does not want to lose his place.
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Giroud has seen his game time limited in the league after the arrival of club record signing Alexandre Lacazette.
Giroud has seven goals in all competitions this season, but has had to make 14 of his 15 Prem appearances from the bench.
He has started six games in the Europa League and another three in the Carabao Cup.
West Ham and Everton have both been