Paris, Sep 7 (IANS): France's national football coach Didier Deschamps has left out striker Olivier Giroud for the opening match of 2014 World Cup qualifications against Finland in Helsinki.
The 25-year-old Arsenal striker was suffering muscle pains, and Deschamps said Thursday that it was "a bit too risky" to include him in the Finland match slated for Friday night, reports Xinhua.
He continued that he hopes Giroud would be ready to face Belarus at Stade de France four days later.
Giroud, whose place is expected to be taken by Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema Friday, has scored one goal in 10 appearances for France.