Arsenal without Giroud for 3 of last 4 EPL games

Published Apr. 23, 2013 12:37 p.m. ET

foxsports

Arsenal will be without leading striker Olivier Giroud for three of the club's final four matches of the English Premier League season after the France international had an appeal against his sending-off against Fulham rejected.

Giroud was shown a straight red card for serious foul play for jumping into a challenge with defender Stanislav Manolev late in Saturday's 1-0 win at Craven Cottage.

His claim for wrongful dismissal was rejected by the English Football Association on Tuesday, dealing a blow to Arsenal's hopes of finishing in the top four and qualifying for the Champions League for the 16th straight year.

Arsenal is third in the standings, a point ahead of Chelsea and two clear of Tottenham, but has played a game more than its two London rivals.