Olivier Giroud set for first Arsenal start

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud will make his first start of the season when his side host Reading in the last 16 of the EFL Cup.

The France international has not featured for the Gunners since his second-half appearance against Chelsea last month.

The 30-year-old was restricted from playing time during the opening stages of the campaign with Arsene Wenger deeming the marksman to be lacking match fitness.

He followed to earn a regular run from the substitutes' bench before he aggravated a toe problem in a 3-0 league mauling of London rivals Chelsea.

Speaking after the scoreless draw against Middlesbrough, Wenger admitted that his side had missed the services of Giroud, but he would be in contention for the League Cup clash versus Reading in midweek.

Giroud has yet to find the net this season, and he will seek to take the opportunity with both hands with Alexis Sanchez pulling the strings in the top flight.