Wenger to play experienced Arsenal team against Bradford, but Giroud out

11-Dec-2012 3:00:00 AM

The Gunners' summer signing has not recovered from a knock at the weekend, and will be one of many unavailable to face the Bantams, who will be looking for a giant-killing

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Olivier Giroud will be unavailable for their Capital One Cup match against Bradford City on Tuesday.

The France international, who made the move from Montpellier to north London during the summer transfer window, has failed to recover from a knock sustained during the Gunners' victory over West Bromwich Albion,

The Bantams will be looking for their second Premier League scalp after beating Wigan in the previous round, and Wenger also confirmed the abscence of several other first team players, including Theo Walcott (calf), while Abou Diaby and Laurent Koscielny are both out with thigh injuries. However, the manager confirmed that he would be fielding an experienced team as they look to avoid a giant-killing.

"The only new player who is not available is Olivier Giroud. He got a kick on his back on Saturday. He has not recovered and he will be out," Wenger told the club's official website.

"We will have an experienced squad at Bradford. We have a good recovery time ahead of the game at Reading on Monday. So we can use the players we want to use.

"Theo is still out. Along with Diaby, Santos, Koscielny. Nico Yennaris has a back problem and Ignasi Miguel has a thigh problem. [Mannone] He is back in the squad."

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