Giroud leaves France national team duty to return Milan following ankle injury

Olivier Giroud (36) has returned to Milan after sustaining an ankle injury on France national team duty, according to a report from L’Équipe.

Giroud was forced off in the 26th minute of France’s comfortable 2-0 victory against the Republic of Ireland in Thursday’s Euro 2024 qualifier. His replacement, Marcus Thuram (26) got on the scoresheet in the victory, scoring his first goal for Les Bleus.

Post-match, Giroud provided a positive update on the ankle injury that he sustained in the first half at the match at the Parc des Princes. “I don’t think it’s too serious,” began Giroud, in an interview transcribed by L’Équipe.

He added, “I will undergo tests, but I’m already hobbling a lot less. The medical situation at this moment in time is very reassuring.” However, despite being reassured that the injury won’t be serious, Giroud has left the France camp to return to Italy, according to L’Équipe.

The decision is a precautionary one. With a week to go until the Milan derby, and just over 10 days to go until the Rossoneri face Newcastle United in the Champions League, France’s all-time record goalscorer didn’t want to take any risks. Giroud, therefore, won’t take part in Tuesday’s friendly against Germany. France aren’t expected to call up a replacement.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle