Arsenal injury news: Olivier Giroud to return to training next week but Mikel Arteta ruled out of Swansea trip

Giroud has not played since the draw with Everton at the end of August after suffering a broken tibia

Olivier Giroud is nearing a return from his broken tibia (Getty Images)

Arsene Wenger has confirmed that injured striker Olivier Giroud will return to first-team training next week to give Arsenal a major boost in the Premier League title challenge.

Giroud has not played since the end of August after suffering a broken tibia in the 2-2 draw with Everton, but Wenger has already revealed that the Frenchman is well ahead of schedule having originally been ruled out until the end of the year.

Wenger is finalising his side’s preparations ahead of their trip to Wales to face Swansea on Sunday with the Gunners looking to record a third straight win in the Premier League after victories over Sunderland and Burnley.

Speaking on Friday morning, Wenger confirmed that Giroud is stepping up his rehabilitation as well as other positive injury news for the Gunners.

“Giroud joins in training next week,” Wenger told arsenal.co.uk, with the international break set to give the Frenchman a chance of recovering in time for the clash with Manchester United on 22 November.

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud (Getty Images)

Wenger also confirmed that Jack Wilshere has recovered from the knee injury and virus that has kept him out of their last two matches, but confirmed they will be missing captain Mikel Arteta this weekend after he suffered a hamstring strain.

“Arteta will be out for Sunday,” Wenger added. “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.

“Jack is alright, he is back in the squad for Sunday.

Arteta will miss the trip to Swansea with a hamstring strain (GETTY IMAGES)

“Laurent Koscielny has a little chance to be back after the international break.

“Mathieu Debuchy, David Ospina and Mesut Ozil are progressing very well, but of course they are not available before or straight after the international break.”