Arsenal boss Wenger delivers update on Giroud and Ozil

Olivier Giroud will undergo a late fitness test ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Marseille in the Champions League on Wednesday, Arsene Wenger has revealed.

The Gunners striker picked up a knee problem after falling awkwardly during Arsenal’s 3-1 win at Sunderland on Saturday and was substituted late in the game.

“We have a few problems,” said Wenger. “Some with Ozil but the main one is Giroud, who has a knee problem. He will have a test tomorrow [Tuesday] and hopefully he will be fit. But it will only be decided tomorrow.

“I have not really thought about [the other options up front] that much but the obvious solution is [Theo] Walcott. We’ll see.”

Wenger also confirmed that Per Mertesacker is fit after recovering from illness, and new signing Mesut Ozil should also be available for the trip to France.

“Mertesacker will be available again after illness,” Wenger continued. “Ozil was ill and has some tight muscles after Saturday. But I think he will be OK. We are optimistic.”

Marseille v Arsenal: Pre-match facts

• Arsenal had the better of the two games in 2011-12, winning 1-0 away through Aaron Ramsey’s late winner before the London return ended goalless. The Gunners finished a point ahead in the final standings.

• Arsenal have remained unbeaten in their nine visits to France: six wins and three draws. They have won the last five fixtures, including a 2-1 success at Montpellier on matchday one last season.

• The Gunners have lost two European finals in Paris: 2-1 to Barcelona in the 2006 Champions League and 2-1 (aet) to Real Zaragoza in the 1995 Cup Winners’ Cup.

• Marseille have lost their last three home fixtures on matchday one; two years ago they were away, at Olympiacos, and won 1-0.