Operation on France striker’s broken leg ‘went perfectly’Wenger says he has no regrets about not signing Fàbregas

The Arsenal manager, Arsène Wenger, has revealed that Olivier Giroud’s rehabilitation from his foot injury is progressing well and believes the France striker could return ahead of schedule.

Giroud broke his tibia in the 2-2 draw with Everton at Goodison Park in August and had been expected to miss at least four months of the season. However Wenger is hopeful that the 28-year-old could be back sooner after undergoing a successful operation and is confident that he can play in the same team as England striker Danny Welbeck.

“Olivier Giroud is recovering very well. I believe he is ahead of schedule in terms of rehabilitation. The operation went perfectly,” Wenger told the French television channel beIN Sports.

“Welbeck and him can play together in the centre or separately. Welbeck also played on one side to Manchester United. Welbeck played in the same team with Rooney and Van Persie. He can play down the sides.”

Wenger also insisted he made the correct decision not to re-sign Cesc Fàbregas in the summer and believes his side can still overhaul Chelsea in the race for the Premier League title.

Fàbregas moved to Stamford Bridge from Barcelona in the summer for £30m after Wenger decided against taking up an option to re-sign the Spain midfielder, who spent eight years in north London.

Yet despite last week’s 2-0 defeat to José Mourinho’s side which left Arsenal nine points behind the early pace-setters, Wenger has no regrets over allowing his former captain to join a rival club and is confident his side can bounce back from a slow start to the season.

“I don’t regret not taking Cesc because we already had a lot of creative players in our midfield,” Wenger said. “Chelsea will also have a difficult period [in the season]. Our schedule was extremely difficult and I have the belief that we can close the gap to them.”

Theo Walcott returned to full training with Arsenal on Monday following his lengthy absence with a knee injury. The England forward has not played since the 2-0 defeat of Tottenham in January.

Walcott’s imminent return provides a boost for Arsenal, who lost Mesut Özil to a knee injury over the international break.