'Giroud is always effective' - Deschamps unfazed by striker's lack of Arsenal starts

Didier Deschamps has no qualms about Olivier Giroud’s lack of starts at Arsenal as the striker is “always performing and being effective”.

The 30-year-old has been unable to nail down a regular spot with the Gunners this season.

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Alexis Sanchez has often been favoured in a central role, forcing Giroud to join the supporting cast on the bench.

He has made Arsene Wenger’s first XI for just seven Premier League fixtures this season, with 11 appearances made as a substitute.

Giroud has, however, contributed 11 goals in all competitions and remains an important squad member for club and country.

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France national team manager Deschamps told L’Equipe: “Olivier always had times where he has played a lot and sometimes he has played less.  

“But when he plays he often scores; he is always there performing and being effective, for us and for Arsenal for that matter.

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“Moreover, in these clubs there are matches every three to four days; what is annoying if someone doesn’t play for over a month.”

Giroud has figured in two 2018 World Cup qualifiers for France without finding the target, but Les Bleus do sit top of Group A ahead of the resumption of competitive international fixtures later this month.