In a rather bizarre turn of events, Oliver Giroud is ruled out of Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Dortmund, as well as the final group match against Galatasaray. The Frenchman was left out of the group stage registration by Arsenal after his broken foot sustained in August originally ruled him out until January.

Giroud has now returned miles ahead of schedule, but can do nothing about the situation and will be unlucky to miss out unfortunately. This truly is a case of sheer misfortune (although his return is a big enough boost regardless) and should not be blamed on any one in particular.

In some ways, it about sums up the state of current of Arsenal’s fortunes at the moment. We simply can’t catch a break. There is absolutely no way Wenger could have foreseen the player coming back from injury so soon, and will be gutted to lose him. To be fair, the amount of times an Arsenal player has returned early from injury is minuscule if existent at all, so this gaffe can be excused as far I’m concerned.

It is a shame for Arsenal, as Giroud could be a real asset against a physical Dortmund side. He did well in both matches against the Germans last year, and if his wonder goal against United was anything to go by, he could have been on his way to a comeback with a vengeance.

Still we should have more than enough to clinch qualification, and don’t worry, Arsenal are allowed three changes to the squad once the knockout round begins.

Click below to find out who this Arsenal TRIO is…