OLIVIER GIROUD’s lack of pace could see him dropped for Chelsea’s clash with Leeds, it has been claimed.
A four-goal performance against Sevilla in the week has pushed the Frenchman towards another start on Saturday.
Olivier Giroud smashed four goals in a rare start in SpainCredit: Getty Images – Getty
A pair of headers came alongside a clinical finish and penalty for the striker, whose only mistake was awkwardly bungling a knee-slide celebration.
Wednesday’s stunning outing was just Giroud’s second start all season, the other coming in the Carabao Cup.
And it has served to add to Frank Lampard’s already-significant selection headache.
Timo Werner and Tammy Abraham have both banged in the goals this season – with eight and five, respectively.
It appears to be a toss-up between Giroud and Abraham for the Leeds game.
But the England international may have the edge thanks to his fresher legs and added pace.
One Chelsea source cited by The Athletic has detailed Lampard’s worry over Giroud’s ability to get in behind.
The 34-year-old shrugged off concern over his place in the Leeds team after the Sevilla win.
He said: “Just let me enjoy the night and the great win, and after we will rest and then we will see what the gaffer’s plans are.”
Leeds travel to West London for an 8pm kick-off at Stamford Bridge.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side did not play during the week and Lampard may rotate his side for the match-up, with Abraham, Werner, Kurt Zouma and Thiago Silva all rested against Sevilla.
The Blues boss is keen to see how Giroud recovers from the trip to Spain before making his selection call.
He stated: “Four goals at this level and the quality of the goals, individual aspects from Olivier, team aspects in the first half, from back to front the team were great.
“[It was an] amazing solo performance from Olivier. [I’m] delighted with him, delighted with the team. This is a difficult place to come. There were moments in the first half where it was tough and we dealt with it.
“Olivier is reliable, full stop.
“We’ll have to see [about Saturday] – it’s a tight turnaround but it’s four goals in a game.
“It’s not just his performance but when you play him and utilise his strengths and his speed, there’s a real balance in the rest of the team.”
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Olivier Giroud grabs four goals for Chelsea in Champions League tie with Sevilla
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
