Giroud must fight for place

London - France international Olivier Giroud faces a fight to get back into the Arsenal team after recovering from a broken leg, manager Arsene Wenger said on the eve of Saturday's mouth-watering Premier League clash with Manchester United.

Giroud, who has been out since breaking his leg against Everton on Aug. 23, has made a quicker than expected return to fitness and the striker was praised by his boss when he spoke to reporters at his pre-match briefing on Friday.

"The surgery went well because he had no setbacks during his rehab," Wenger said.

Asked if Danny Wellbeck's form would make it difficult for Giroud to get his place back in the starting lineup, Wenger said: "There is always a fight because there are a lot of offensive options.

"But Danny Welbeck can play in different positions up front and there is, in some games, room for both of them, but of course, it is a fight."

Mikel Arteta is available after recovering from a hamstring injury, but Wenger said on Friday Theo Walcott is a doubt after picking up an injury while with England this week.