Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Olivier Giroud will miss Saturday’s North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur.

The Arsenal manager gave the news in a pre-match press conference on Thursday day morning, meaning Alexandre Lacazette is likely to start in attack this weekend.

It’s a big blow for Giroud, given the lack of playing time he’s had this season, but also Arsenal may miss his influence from the bench.

The 31-year-old picked up a knee injury playing for France during the international break and Wenger has revealed it’s enough to keep him sidelined until next week. He will be assessed on Monday.

Arsenal still have options in the attack, with the likes of Danny Welbeck expected to return to the squad, while Alexis Sanchez remains a makeshift choice at centre-forward.

But supporters will be hoping Lacazette finally gets to start in a big game, having scored twice for France during the international break, and against Manchester City in Arsenal’s last league outing.

The club-record signing is believed to have Wenger’s trust, but actions speak louder than words, and the team selection on Saturday afternoon will prove if his manager does believe in him or not.