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Wenger to rely on Sanchez up front as Giroud faces FOUR months out with broken leg
ARSENAL striker Olivier Giroud faces four months on the sidelines after undergoing surgery on a broken tibia.
The France international, who isn't likely to be back until December, was injured in a 2-2 draw with Everton in the Premier League on Saturday, seconds after scoring.
The news was a setback for Arsenal after beating Besiktas 1-0 to qualify for the Champions League group stage on last night, making it 17 successive years.
And boss Arsene Wenger believes goalscorer Alexis Sanchez, who cost £32m this summer, can step up to the plate in Giroud's absence.
I bought him to play as a striker, not to only play on the flanks
"I bought him to play as a striker, not to only play on the flanks," Wenger said.
"He had a good game, not only on the technical side but on the fighting side.
"He was mobile and dangerous and showed he has great fighting spirit - qualities which will be important in the Premier League."