Mikel Arteta discusses Olivier Giroud and confirms injuries

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta prepares his squad to face LOSC Lille in the UEFA Champions League at the Emirates Stadium, dismissing claims that former striker Olivier Giroud was ever underappreciated during his tenure in north London.

Arteta Defends Giroud Legacy Ahead of European Clash

Olivier Giroud returns to the Emirates Stadium at 40 years old, lining up for Lille in the second matchday of the European competition. The French forward played for the Gunners from the summer of 2012 through January 2018, arriving originally from Montpellier after winning Ligue 1. Addressing reporters on Monday, Arteta pushed back against suggestions that the veteran striker had been undervalued during his time under Arsène Wenger.

“By us, certainly not, nor by Arsène in that specific case. For the rest, I don’t know,” Arteta stated, reflecting on his own playing days alongside Giroud at Arsenal between 2011 and 2016. The Spanish manager highlighted Giroud’s unique profile compared to traditional squad options, praising his intelligent movement, high work rate, and his ability to trouble opposing defenders inside the penalty area.

Injuries Sideline Zubimendi and Hincapie for the Gunners

Midfielder Martin Zubimendi and defender Piero Hincapie both sustained ankle injuries during a recovery training session on Saturday following a weekend fixture. Arteta confirmed in his press conference that the pair underwent further medical evaluations to determine the full extent of their spells on the sidelines.

“We had planned a training session for the players who hadn’t had enough playing time so that everyone could recover on Sunday and get back to the same rhythm. Following two very unfortunate incidents, we lost two players. It’s not great,” Arteta said. Meanwhile, French defender William Saliba has resumed training after a back injury that kept him out since the 2026 World Cup, though a definitive return date remains uncertain.

Supporters Navigate Strict Travel Logistics in London

LOSC outlined specific logistical guidelines for traveling supporters making the trip to the English capital. Fans holding valid vouchers were instructed to collect their match tickets between 13:00 and 16:00 local time at Mabel’s Tavern on Mabledon Place, requiring both a physical identity check and the original voucher. Local authorities directed away supporters to gather near St. Pancras station before taking the Tube to Highbury & Islington station, from where fans marched to the Emirates Stadium under police guidance.

Visiting supporters faced strict stadium entry protocols, including a ban on bags at the away turnstiles and a strict cutoff allowing entry only up to the 15th minute of the match. Lille enters the fixture looking to recover ground in the league phase standings following an opening 3-2 defeat against Real Betis.

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where is the UEFA Champions League fixture taking place? The match is scheduled for Tuesday evening at the Emirates Stadium in north London, marking the second matchday of the continental tournament.

What did Mikel Arteta say about Olivier Giroud’s current role? Arteta noted that Giroud might start the match on the bench, as Japanese striker Ayase Ueda has established himself as a regular starter for the French side currently sitting second in Ligue 1.

Which players are unavailable for Arsenal against Lille? Arsenal will miss midfielder Martin Zubimendi and defender Piero Hincapie due to ankle injuries suffered during a weekend training session, while William Saliba continues his rehabilitation from a back injury.