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Premier League: Arsenal duo Olivier Giroud and Mikel Arteta passed fit to face Manchester United

Olivier Giroud of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on August 16, 2014
Image: Olivier Giroud: Could return for Arsenal after three months out

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud is fit to face Manchester United in the Premier League on Saturday at the Emirates after recovering from a broken leg.

The France international, 28, was provisionally ruled out until the new year after suffering a fracture against Everton in August, but he is now ready to return.

Skipper Mikel Arteta has also returned to fitness after a hamstring problem, but Wenger said that France defensive duo Laurent Koscielny (Achilles) and Mathieu Debuchy (ankle) were both around "three weeks away from full group training".

"He is three or four weeks ahead of schedule," said manager Arsene Wenger.

"Giroud and Arteta are both available. It is just a question of how ready they are, but they are available

"Originally we planned to have him back for competition at the beginning of next year. So he's one month ahead."

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Germany playmaker Mesut Ozil (knee) and back-up goalkeeper David Ospina (thigh) remain long-term absentees.

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Wenger said: "Ozil is doing well but he will not be ready before the start of 2015."

Young Gunners defender George Dobson, meanwhile, has signed professional terms with the club.

Dobson, 17, is a regular for Arsenal Under-18s and the Under-19 UEFA Youth League side.

A club statement said: "Everyone at Arsenal would like to congratulate George on his first professional contract. We look forward to his continued progression with the club."

Watch Arsenal v Manchester United on Saturday Night Football on Sky Sports 1HD from 16.45 on Saturday

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