Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is hopeful of having striker Olivier Giroud back in action sooner than expected, as he recovers from a foot injury that was initially believed to keep him out of action for the rest of 2014.
Giroud, 28, picked up the injury in the 2-2 draw against Everton in August, with the Frenchman's extended lay-off compelling Wenger to sign Danny Welbeck from Manchester United on transfer deadline day.
Yet it seems as if Wenger may soon get the chance to test his theory that Giroud and Welbeck could form a potent partnership at the head of his team, as he offered an upbeat medical report on his leading scorer from last season.
"Olivier Giroud is recovering very well," the Arsenal boss told beIN Sports. "I believe he is ahead of schedule in terms of rehabilitation. The operation went perfectly."
Wenger's hopes of playing Giroud and Welbeck together may come at a cost to the latter of the duo though, who has expressed his desire to prove himself as a lead striker after spending much of his Manchester United career in wide roles.
Despite those very public pleas to be given a chance as the main striker in the Arsenal side, Wenger is talking up Welbeck's versatility and his ability to excel away from a central position.
"Welbeck and Giroud can play together in the centre or separately," added Wenger.
"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."