Arsenal are a better side when Olivier Giroud plays, according to Jermain Jenas.
Arsene Wenger gave the France international an extended break after Euro 2016, but the 28-year-old struggled to return to the line-up and recently suffered a toe injury.
The Gunners have accomplished an eight-game win streak without Giroud starting and sit joint-top of the Premier League.
Jenas believes Giroud should be recalled soon and also praised the Gunners for having extra depth to be able to cope with injuries.
"Every season there is a worry, 'what if Coquelin gets injured?' or 'what if Giroud gets injured?'" Jenas said on BBC 5 live.
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"Last week they completely changed their centre-midfield, they went from Xhaka to Elneny - Cazorla played there the week before. Coquelin came in [too].
"They've got the ability to do that now. I still think they're better with Giroud in the team.
"Only because he allows Sanchez, Iwobi, Walcott, Ozil - the three behind him - to play a lot better with him as a focal point."