Giroud dismisses burn-out fears

Olivier Giroud is confident he can cope with the demands of being Arsenal’s leading frontman at home and abroad.

With the Gunners short of striking options due to injuries to Lukas Podolski and Theo Walcott, manager Arsene Wenger has been left with little choice but to pile added workload on Giroud’s shoulders.

The France international has responded with seven goals, and two more for his country, but has already taken in 18 domestic, European and international appearances.

With plenty of big games to come in the Premier League and UEFA Champions League, on top of a 2014 World Cup qualifying play-off with Ukraine, Giroud’s schedule remains testing.

He is, however, of the opinion that he is at peak fitness and capable of handling a gruelling fixture list.

“I will speak to the boss but I am used to playing a lot of games and I feel good with my body so, touch wood, no injuries.”

“Maybe I will have some rest next week, for the Capital One Cup,” said Giroud.

“I will speak to the boss but I am used to playing a lot of games and I feel good with my body so, touch wood, no injuries.”

Giroud’s latest outing came in the Champions League on Tuesday, as Arsenal were undone by a late Robert Lewandowski goal in a 2-1 defeat against Borussia Dortmund.

That setback at Emirates Stadium brought the Gunners’ 12-match unbeaten run to an end, but Giroud is confident a positive response will be offered against struggling Crystal Palace this weekend