Injured Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud unable to play for rest of the year?

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud is reportedly expected to be sidelined for the rest of the year after suffering an injury to his foot last weekend.

Manager Arsene Wenger claimed yesterday that the severity of the Frenchman's injury is not yet known, but it is believed that the problem is worse than first feared.

Reports suggested that Giroud would face a three-month layoff, but according to L'Equipe, the forward will not be fit to play again until next year.

Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck and Paris Saint-Germain forward Edinson Cavani have been touted as possible targets for Arsenal should they decide to sign cover before the close of the transfer window in five days' time.

Giroud suffered the injury to his foot during last Saturday's 2-2 draw with Everton at Goodison Park.