Giroud out of France qualifier

France coach Didier Deschamps has revealed that Olivier Giroud will miss Friday’s 2014 World Cup qualifier against Finland.

The French forward, who joined Arsenal this summer from Ligue 1 champions Montpellier, has been struggling with a muscle injury since joining up with the international squad.

However, Deschamps is hopeful that the 25-year-old will be fit for the match against Belarus on Tuesday.

The former Marseille coach told reporters on Thursday afternoon: “He will work apart (from the squad), which will allow him to play the next match (against Belarus).

“Considering it’s a muscle problem, it is better to give him more time. I would have preferred Olivier at full fitness, but (football) is like that.”