Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has admitted that Olivier Giroud's confidence has been knocked by the criticism shown by the Gunners 'boo boys' in recent weeks.
The French international has had a slow start to the new season, carrying on from the previous campaign, where a 15 game run without a goal saw some sections of the Emirates Stadium turn on the 30-year-old, and according to theofficial club website, Wenger has suggested this has affected his target man.
"It's a bit the fate of the strikers," said Wenger.
"When they score they are heroes, when they don't they are quickly the target of the stands. I think overall our fans like him and respect him a lot.
"It does, of course [affect his confidence]. He's not in metal. He's as well sensitive but he's sensitive and strong.
"Everybody wants to be loved. I've never seen anyone who dreams to be hated. But it is to deal with the fact that it doesn't always go your way that makes a man."
He won't be playing on Saturday, but Arsène Wenger touched on @_OlivierGiroud_'s return to the fold 👇 https://t.co/UQwYWCbznU
Despite his return from a toe injury, the French international will have to prove himself once more if he is to secure a starting spot in this Arsenal side, with the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Theo Walcott impressing as a combination with a number of goals and assists both domestically and in Europe.
The former Montpellier striker was Arsenal's highest goal-scorer last season with 16, however he will have to start to show that kind of form from the bench for the next couple of weeks, perhaps leading to Giroud considering his future at the club he joined in the summer of 2012.