Arsene Wenger has provided his backing to Olivier Giroud as the Arsenal striker continues to find himself waiting on the sidelines, reports the London Evening Standard.

The 30 year old French striker has managed just 78 club minutes this season with his delayed return from Euro 2016 hampered by a big toe injury that is set to rule him out for at least the next two games, at home to Swansea and Ludogrets.

"When I go into a big game, you always think: 'I can rely on him.' You know that when the competition starts, he will be with you."

Giroud has not always been embraced by either Arsenal or France fans and was even booed by some of his own supporters on his last start at the Emirates, when he scored a hat-trick in a win over Aston Villa.

"The criticism does knock him," Wenger added. "He's not made of metal. He's sensitive but sensitive and strong. Everybody wants to be loved. I've never seen anyone who dreams to be hated. But it is dealing with the fact that it doesn't always go your way that makes a man."