The Frenchman has had to defend his treatment of Giroud after the forward started on the bench for their FA Cup semi-final against Wigan.
Speaking on Monday, Wenger said: “He has a fantastic spirit and is a fantastic team player, he’s gone through a difficult period.
“But he has played more games than any other striker in the Premier League.”
When questioned whether Giroud is important to his plans he simply replied: “Yes.”