France assistant manager Guy Stephan has urged Olivier Giroud to find more game time before the 2018 World Cup next summer.

Giroud is no longer the first-choice striker at Arsenal and has been limited to just the cup games and brief substitute appearances in the Premier League.

While he’s held onto to his starting berth for the France national team, their assistant manager has said that he needs to be playing more, even if it means going out on loan in January.

“Didier Deschamps has already had the opportunity to talk to him about it,” Stephan said, reports the Daily Star. “And now Olivier has to find a solution in the weeks to come. A loan deal in January? That’s up to him.

“Olivier has been very good for us in the last few months and he has a very high ratio in terms the amount of games played to goals. But now he must play more.”

Giroud thought he was in for a run of games when Alexandre Lacazette was subbed off at half-time in the 5-0 win over Huddersfield.

There were fears that Lacazette had damaged his groin, but he recovered in time to play against Manchester United just days later.

Giroud often comes on for Lacazette for the final 20 minutes of games, but clearly that’s not enough game time to satisfy the coaches of the national team.

The 31-year-old turned down a move in the summer to stay and fight for his place at Arsenal. However, it’ll be interesting to see if changes his mind in January.

You’d imagine that Arsenal would be reluctant to let him leave, given what an able back-up he is, but his need for regular playing time is pressing.