Monday 4 December 2017 09:37, UK
Olivier Giroud has been told he needs to play more games and consider a move away from Arsenal in order to boost his chances of a starring role for France at the World Cup.
Giroud has fallen behind compatriot Alexandre Lacazette in the Emirates pecking order and has not started a league game this season.
The 31-year-old, who signed from Montpellier in 2012, was linked with moves to Everton, West Ham and Marseille last summer before electing to stay in north London.
France boss Didier Deschamps is concerned Giroud, who has a strike rate of 29 goals in 69 international appearances, is not getting enough game time ahead of next summer's tournament in Russia.
French assistant Guy Stephan said: "Didier has had the opportunity to talk to him about it 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 of the amount of games played to goals but now he must play more."
Giroud has scored five goals in 21 Arsenal appearances this season, including a double in the recent 5-0 win over Huddersfield.
