TEAM NEWS: Giroud drops to the bench as Arsenal recall Gervinho for Swansea visit

Dec 1, 2012 5:13:00 PM

As reported by Goal.com on Saturday, the Frenchman has been rested for the match at the Emirates Stadium, while Bacary Sagna and Laurent Koscielny miss out due to injury

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has recalled Gervinho to his starting line-up for the visit of Swansea City to the Emirates Stadium, with Olivier Giroud dropping to the substitutes' bench.

Goal.com reported on Saturday that the Frenchman would be rested after playing seven consecutive matches at centre forward for the Gunners, with Ivory Coast international Gervinho preferred as Giroud's replacement.

Carl Jenkinson and Kieran Gibbs return to the defence at right and left-back, with Laurent Koscielny (hip) and Bacary Sagna (ankle) ruled out. Thomas Vermaelen moves from full-back to the centre of defence.

Lukas Podolski returns to the starting XI on the left side of attack in place of Aaron Ramsey after missing the 1-1 draw against Everton at Goodison Park in midweek.

Swansea City manager Michael Laudrup is without Wayne Routledge and Pablo Hernandez, both of whom starred in the 3-1 victory over West Brom on Wednesday.

Itay Shechter is therefore recalled and is likely to start on the flank opposite Nathan Dyer, with Michu the lone striker. Laudrup has also dropped an extra man into central midfield by recalling Jonathan de Guzman.

Arsenal starting XI: Szczesny; Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs; Arteta, Wilshere; Walcott, Cazorla, Podolski, Gervinho.

Subs: Mannone, Squillaci, Coquelin, Ramsey, Rosicky, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Giroud.

Swansea starting XI: Tremmel; Rangel, Williams, Chico, Davies; Britton, De Guzman, Ki; Dyer, Michu, Shechter.

Subs: Cornell, Monk, Moore, Tiendalli, Agustien, Richards, Donnelly.

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