Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud is reportedly set to make his return against Manchester United in two weeks time after Arsene Wenger revealed that the Frenchman will be resuming training next week.
Although the 28-year-old striker was expected to be back only next year after breaking his leg during the Gunners' 2-2 draw against Everton in the Premier League, Wenger had earlier revealed that Giroud was making a quicker recovery.
And it now looks like Giroud could be back in action during Arsenal's forthcoming Premier League clash against Manchester United on 22 November after Wenger confirmed the former Montpellier striker will be back in training next week.
"Giroud joins in training next week," Wenger told Arsenal's official website.
Meanwhile, Laurent Koscielny, who has been out of action since October with an Achilles tendon injury, seems to be facing some more time on the sidelines after Wenger revealed that the centre-back "has a little chance to be back after the international break."
Wenger also confirmed that Arsenal captain Mikel Arteta will be missing the Gunners' upcoming Premier League clash against Swansea City with a "mild hamstring strain."
"Arteta will be out for Sunday. He has a mild hamstring strain and he will be out for a short period because it's a grade one. He should be back after the internationals," added the Frenchman.
Finally Wenger also threw some light on the progress of long-term absentees Mathieu Debuchy, David Ospina and Mesut Ozil.
"Debuchy, Ospina and Ozil are progressing very well, but of course they are not available before or straight after the international break."
Elsewhere, Per Mertesacker is confident that the Gunners will be making a comeback from their 3-3 Champions League draw against Anderlecht when they pay a visit to Swansea City on Sunday.
The Gunners looked on the verge of booking a place in the last sixteen of the Champions League when they conceded three goals in the final half hour of the match at the Emirates.
Despite admitting his disappointment following their draw against Anderlecht, Mertesacker is confident that the Gunners can make an immediate comeback against Swansea City.
"We will bounce back quickly, we are really good at that. We have shown that a couple of times. That was a good warning [on Wednesday] that everyone should raise their game and give maybe 10 per cent more when it's really needed," the German told Arsenal's official website.
"In the next couple of days, we will have good training sessions together and I think the spirit will come back, because we have a good team and our potential in our game will come back very quickly."
