by Lewis Ambrose

A calf injury forced Olivier Giroud out of a France training session on Tuesday.

The Arsenal striker played 80 minutes in a 4-3 defeat to Belgium last week, and was preparing for Les Blues’ next match against Albania on Saturday, for which he is now considered doubtful.

Giroud scored 19 goals for Arsenal in the 2014/15 campaign, including the fourth and final goal in the FA Cup Final defeat of Aston Villa at the end of May.

The forward took a blow to the calf and complained about the pain before heading to visit the French medical staff.

He later returned to the training pitch but, with his left calf strapped up, he only watched on as his teammates prepared for the weekend.

Risked

The France game against Albania on Saturday is only a friendly, so it is unlikely Giroud will play unless he is fully fit.

France have already qualified for Euro 2016 as hosts – another good season will give Giroud every chance to compete for a starting spot ahead of the tournament in his homeland.

After a tough year it will be good for Arsenal when Giroud is finally on his summer holidays, so he is as fresh as possible ahead of next season.