Chelsea's Christian Pulisic Out 'A Few Weeks' with 'Nasty' Adductor Injury
Jan 10, 2020
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 10: Christian Pulisic of Chelsea during the UEFA Champions League group H match between Chelsea FC and Lille OSC at Stamford Bridge on December 10, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Visionhaus)
Chelsea have been dealt a big blow after manager Frank Lampard revealed Christian Pulisic will be out for "a few weeks."
Speaking ahead of the Blues' Premier League clash against Burnley on Saturday, Lampard said the United States international suffered an adductor injury in training:
🗣️Frank Lampard: "Christian Pulisic is out, he'll be out for a few weeks. He was injured in training last Saturday. It's an injury in the adductor, so he's got a tendon injury. It was quite a nasty injury, he was in pain when it happened."#FFScout#FPL#GW22#ChelseaFC
After a slow start to life at Stamford Bridge, Pulisic has been largely excellent in his debut Premier League campaign since moving to Chelsea from Borussia Dortmund.
He has netted five times and provided two assists in 16 English top-flight appearances in 2019-20, contributing to a goal every 153 minutes.
That is an excellent return for a 21-year-old, and although his form had tailed off slightly recently, he will be a big loss for Lampard at a key stage of the season.
After Saturday's home match against Burnley, Chelsea play Newcastle United, Arsenal and Leicester City in the league and Hull City in the FA Cup before their weekend off in early February.
Pulisic can play anywhere across the midfield in an attacking role, but Lampard has mostly used him on the left this term.
In his absence, Callum Hudson-Odoi will have an excellent chance to stake his claim for a more regular starting role, while Willian can also play on the left flank.
Chelsea vs. Burnley: Odds, Live Stream, TV Schedule and Preview
Jan 10, 2020
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 10: Christian Pulisic of Chelsea during the UEFA Champions League group H match between Chelsea FC and Lille OSC at Stamford Bridge on December 10, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images)
Chelsea will be attempting to recapture some consistency in the Premier League when they host Burnley on Saturday at Stamford Bridge.
Frank Lampard's men won seven consecutive games in all competitions during September and October, but they have since earned just seven wins in their last 16 matches.
Five Premier League losses in quick succession has harmed Chelsea's top-four ambitions, but their rivals have failed to capitalise fully on the slump.
Meanwhile, Burnley have also been hugely inconsistent this term and sit 15th in the league, just four points above the relegation zone.
The Clarets arrive in west London on the back of six league defeats in their last eight games, offering Chelsea a good chance of three points.
Odds: Chelsea 3-10, Burnley 9-1, draw 9-2 (via Caesars)
Preview
Sean Dyche's outfit have built a steely reputation over the years, but Burnley are on the slide and could fall out of the top flight unless they improve.
The Clarets are huge outsiders to pick up points in west London, and Chelsea will be desperate to keep hold of a top-four spot during the second half of the season.
Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal's turbulent form has kept Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League places, but Lampard needs to see his young team deal with the pressure during the months ahead.
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 29: Antonio Rudiger, Kurt Zouma and Cesar Azpilicueta of Chelsea celebrate victory during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC at Emirates Stadium on December 29, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by S
Chelsea's lack of clean sheets in the league has become a worry, with just three shutouts in the last 13 games. The Blues lack a leader at the back who can give the inspiration once provided by John Terry, and the club are yet to replace the former England captain.
However, Antonio Rudiger's recent return from injury gives Lampard a solid presence at centre-back, but the team must find ways of helping goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga more.
Dyche is facing the toughest challenge of his eight-year spell as Burnley manager, and the team could become a victim of their lack of tactical variation, failing to adapt to the changing landscape of English football.
Burnley are always a tough prospect at home, but they have won only twice on the road this season.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 29: Ashley Barnes of Burnley celebrates after scoring his team's first goal with Chris Wood of Burnley during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Burnley at Old Trafford on January 29, 2019 in Manchester,
Per Robert Warlow of Football.London, striker Ashley Barnes will see a specialist over a troublesome groin injury and is likely to miss the trip to Stamford Bridge.
"He has been trying to get through a period with an over-use injury, so that will get checked out," Dyche said. "He's been soldiering on with it, but it has really affected him in the last few games."
The 30-year-old remains one of the Clarets' most important players, but he has failed to score in his last seven league outings after opening the season with four goals in his first three games.
Chelsea will believe they have the firepower to eliminate any potential threat the visitors carry, and Lampard will hope it's an easy day at the office for his team.
The Blues require three points more than anything else, but supporters will also be looking for improved performances and greater consistency.
Antonio Rudiger: Eden Hazard's Chelsea Exit Key to Callum Hudson-Odoi Stay
Jan 9, 2020
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 05: Callum Hudson-Odoi of Chelsea during the FA Cup Third Round match between Chelsea FC and Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge on January 05, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)
Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger believes Eden Hazard's move to Real Madrid and the club's transfer ban played key roles in keeping Callum Hudson-Odoi at Stamford Bridge.
The young winger was widely linked with a move to Bayern Munich but ended up staying with the Blues and penning a new deal. In an interview with Sport Bild (h/t Goal's Chris Burton), Rudiger said the youngster asked him about the Bundesliga giants before making the choice to stay:
"Of course he asked me about Bayern Munich back then. I told him that it was of course a great club.
"The fact that he chose Chelsea is only logical for me. The transfer ban and the departure of Eden Hazard, which we had been expecting for a long time, made it clear that Callum would get more appearances."
Chelsea's German defender Antonio Rudiger gestures at the end of the English Premier League football match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Chelsea at the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton, southern England on January 1, 2020. (Photo by G
Rudiger knows Bayern well, having played for Stuttgart before moving to AS Roma and ending up at Chelsea.
Per Matt Law of the Daily Telegraph, Hudson-Odoi has revealed he came close to moving to Germany before opting to stay put. Rumours were rife in January of 2019, when he also handed in a transfer request, but they mostly died down after the winger suffered a serious Achilles injury in April that sidelined him until September.
By that time, Hazard had already departed for La Liga giants Real, and the Blues couldn't bring in a replacement via the transfer market due to their ban. It meant more opportunities for the youngsters, with only Christian Pulisic as added competition.
Hudson-Odoi has struggled for consistency at times, but he has been a solid contributor:
11 - Callum Hudson-Odoi has been directly involved in 11 goals in his 13 starts at Stamford Bridge for Chelsea in all competitions, scoring five and assisting six. Alternative. pic.twitter.com/eDH7g1lbg1
His most recent outing, the 2-0 FA Cup win over Nottingham Forest, was one of his best:
Hudson-Odoi signed a new five-year agreement in September, committing his long-term future to Chelsea. Per Law, the deal is worth £120,000 per week, making him one of the highest-paid teen footballers in the world and underlining the faith the club have in him.
Manager Frank Lampard said the deal comes with major responsibility:
Hudson-Odoi will likely have the chance to show Bayern what they missed out on in February, when the two teams meet for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League clash.
The Bavarians will go into the tie as favourites against a relatively young and inexperienced Blues team. Chelsea present a major threat, however, after wins over the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and Ajax this season.
Jean-Michel Aulas: Moussa Dembele 'Wants to Stay' at Lyon Amid Chelsea Rumours
Jan 8, 2020
Lyon's French forward Moussa Dembele reacts during the UEFA Champions League Group G football match between Olympique Lyonnais and SL Benfica at the Decines Groupama Stadium, on November 5, 2019. (Photo by Philippe DESMAZES / AFP) (Photo by PHILIPPE DESMAZES/AFP via Getty Images)
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has said striker Moussa Dembele "wants to stay" and win something with the French outfit despite recent reports suggesting Chelsea are hunting his signature.
The Premier League giants are free to sign players this winter after having their transfer ban reduced, but Aulas remains adamant Lyon's frontman will not be sold in January, per the Evening Standard's Jack Rosser:
"Moussa Dembele will not leave because he wants to stay to win something with Lyon. There have been offers for him and for other players but none of those that we want to keep will leave in January."
Lyon will be particularly reluctant to sell their star after attacking gem Memphis Depay ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in December, a blow that could rule the Netherlands international out of UEFA Euro 2020.
Aulas confirmed clubs have already made bids for Dembele, 23, and Sky Sports News reporter Kaveh Solhekol reported in early January that one of those offers came from Stamford Bridge:
Chelsea willing to pay €40m (£34m) for Moussa Dembélé but Lyon don’t want to sell the French striker. One source has told us Chelsea had a €40m bid rejected this morning
Tammy Abraham has made the most of his chance to finally start for his boyhood club this season, and his development has been one of the few positives to come from their transfer suspension over the summer.
The 22-year-old's form has tailed off somewhat following an extremely promising start to the campaign. The Independent highlighted him as one of numerous English strikers impressing in the Premier League this term, not to mention one who's outscored England captain Harry Kane (who is currently injured) thus far:
Top goal scorers in the Premier League this season:
1️⃣ Jamie Vardy = 1️⃣7️⃣ 🏴 2️⃣ P E Aubameyang = 1️⃣3️⃣ 🇬🇦 2️⃣ Danny Ings = 1️⃣3️⃣ 🏴 4️⃣ Tammy Abraham = 1️⃣2️⃣ 🏴 4️⃣ Marcus Rashford = 1️⃣2️⃣ 🏴 6️⃣ Harry Kane = 1️⃣1️⃣ 🏴 6️⃣ Sadio Mane = 1️⃣1️⃣ 🇸🇳 6️⃣ Raheem Sterling = 1️⃣1️⃣ 🏴 pic.twitter.com/zq1pbySNob
Dembele has scored 12 times in 26 games across all competitions this season. However, Lyon sit 12th in Ligue 1 and are in need of a major upset if they're to reach the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals ahead of last-16 opponents, Juventus.
Lampard already has alternative striker options in OlivierGiroudandMichyBatshuayi, though the manager has suggested the former could leave in January if a replacement is signed:
Former Chelsea talisman Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is a fan of former Fulham and Celtic star Dembele, who scored 51 times in 94 appearances for the Bhoys before he left for Lyon in 2018. He told the Daily Mail (h/t Metro's Tom Olver):
"More importantly, he is a killer. He is a goalscorer. He lives for goals. He scores goals in different ways, with his head, with his feet, left and right. He is quick, he is strong, he can still improve, he is still very young.
"Frank will improve him with Jody Morris, in his combination play, that can be better and improved. But what you can't teach a player is being somewhere at the right time, and he has that a lot. Tammy has that as well, but at a big club you have to have a couple of strikers who are really good. You need competition."
RB Leipzig forward Timo Werner is another attacking target said to be high on Chelsea's priorities of late, but competition for his signature could be a lot more fierce, per Football.London.
The Blues are hoping to reinforce their squad after being held back from doing so over the summer, though Aulas is adamant Dembele wants to realise his title aspirations with Lyon.
Chelsea Announce £26.6M Cost of Sacking Antonio Conte
Jan 7, 2020
MILAN, ITALY - DECEMBER 21: Antonio Conte, Manager of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Genoa CFC at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on December 21, 2019 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Chris Ricco/Getty Images)
Chelsea have announced the costs associated with sacking Antonio Conte and his coaching staff totalled £26.6 miilion.
Goal's Chris Burton relayed the club's statement on their financial year ending June 30, 2019: "Exceptional items in the current year of £26.6 million relate to changes in respect of the men's team management and coaching staff, together with associated legal costs."
The Athletic's Liam Twomey felt the last part of the statement to be particularly relevant:
Conte had a big backroom team but worth noting that the £26m figure also includes ‘associated legal costs’. Lawyers are expensive... #cfchttps://t.co/xF6VYfzLBN
Conte left the Italian national side to manage Chelsea in 2016. The coach enjoyed a superb first campaign at Stamford Bridge, winning the Premier League title in the process. Along the way, they racked up 93 points, 43 more than they had the previous season.
The Blues also reached the FA Cup final but lost 2-1 to Arsenal. Chelsea made up for that defeat when they beat Manchester United 1-0 to lift the trophy the following year.
However, Conte was sacked in 2018 with a year remaining on his contract after the team finished fifth on 70 points, missing out on the UEFA Champions League.
The Premier League outfit replaced him with Maurizio Sarri, who took them to third and won the UEFA Europa League before leaving them at the end of his first season for Juventus.
Chelsea legend Frank Lampard is now in charge, with the team fourth in the division after 21 matches this season.
Conte joined Inter Milan in the summer. Football commentator Adam Summerton praised the 50-year-old for masterminding Inter's first Serie A win at Napoli since 1997 on Monday:
Conte once again proving what an outstanding coach he is. The influence he has on each game is remarkable - like a coaching puppeteer #FCIM
The 3-1 win kept Inter ahead of Juve at the top of the table on goal difference, with both sides level on 45 points after 18 games.
Conte won three consecutive titles with the Bianconeri between 2011 and 2014 before taking over as Italy boss.
Frank Lampard Will Challenge Callum Hudson-Odoi to 'Do More' After FA Cup Goal
Jan 6, 2020
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 05: Callum Hudson-Odoi of Chelsea during the FA Cup Third Round match between Chelsea FC and Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge on January 05, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)
Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has said he will challenge Callum Hudson-Odoi to "do more" in upcoming matches after he starred against Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
The 19-year-old was on the scoresheet in a comfortable 2-0 win for the Blues to help them advance into the FA Cup fourth round.
Hudson-Odoi has struggled for consistency this season and has been unable to secure a regular place in the Chelsea starting XI since his return to fitness earlier in the campaign. Lampard said after the win over Forest that he will continue to ask for more from the teenager, per Tom Webber of Goal:
"It was a good performance. I was pleased to see him high up the pitch, pleased to see him being aggressive in how he gets at people, which is what he is there for. He gets his goal with a great strike.
"It has been an interesting 12 months for him considering how young he is, when you take that into account. Last year everyone was talking about him for different reasons. He gets a terrible injury, he comes back very early and when he did come back there were issues getting him tip top.
"This was a nice step forward for him. Next time it will be, 'Can you do more?'"
Hudson-Odoi did brilliantly to open the scoring for the Blues, cutting inside onto his left foot and hammering a low shot home:
Given his age and the fact he's recovering from a serious injury, it's not a huge surprise that Hudson-Odoi has struggled to showcase his best on a regular basis in 2019-20.
On Sunday, his performance was more reflective of the player who lit up Chelsea's campaign in 2018-19. The winger was direct, willing to take on opposition defenders and made smart decisions in the final third too.
When the England international has been trusted to start home games, he's typically had a productive influence on the match:
11 - Callum Hudson-Odoi has been directly involved in 11 goals in his 13 starts at Stamford Bridge for Chelsea in all competitions, scoring five and assisting six. Alternative. pic.twitter.com/eDH7g1lbg1
Hudson-Odoi will be hoping this match can be the foundation for some consistency.
Lampard has been willing to give young players an opportunity in his tenure at Stamford Bridge and has undoubtedly been a positive influence on their progression. With that in mind, Hudson-Odoi will be looking to follow in the footsteps of players like Tammy Abraham and Mason Mount.
It will be intriguing to see if Lampard rewards Hudson-Odoi with a start in the Premier League in Chelsea's next fixture. They host Burnley in the top flight on Saturday.
Chelsea's Frank Lampard Suggests Olivier Giroud January Transfer 'Could Happen'
Jan 5, 2020
French forward Olivier Giroud (L) of English Premier League club Chelsea walks past teams head coach Frank Lampard during a training session in their Japan tour at Nack5 stadium in Saitama on July 21, 2019. (Photo by Behrouz MEHRI / AFP) (Photo credit should read BEHROUZ MEHRI/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has hinted striker Olivier Giroud may leave the club in January, saying a deal "could happen" if it suits all parties involved.
Giroud, 33, was an unused substitute when Chelsea beat Nottingham Forest 2-0 in the FA Cup third round on Sunday, and he's been omitted from the club's last six Premier League matchday squads.
Lampard told reporters after the game: "There's no update on Ollie, but I've spoken with him. If the conditions are that it's something he really wants to do and it works for the club, for me and the squad then it's something that could happen. But only when all of those bases are covered. So we'll see if we're there."
The manager's decision to not substitute Giroud in place of a tiring Michy Batshuayi might speak volumes of his eagerness to keep the Frenchman healthy during the winter transfer window.
French football writer Jeremy Smith cited a report from Telefoot, which said West Ham United are among the teams interested in a mid-season move for the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner:
Telefoot reporting that, despite West Ham and Bordeaux having enquired about him, Inter are the only concrete potential destination for Olivier Giroud. Chelsea happy to let him go as long as they find a replacement. https://t.co/4zQG7Ygzqc
Lampard's comments suggest Giroud won't be moved on until Chelsea have a replacement, something made possible after the club's transfer ban was halved at the beginning of December. The Blues were previously prevented from registering new players for two transfer windows in relation to a breach of the rules relating to signing players under 18.
The veteran has scored once in seven first-team appearances this season, bagging the opener in a 2-2 draw against Liverpool in the 2019 UEFA Super Cup (Chelsea went on to lose 7-6 on penalties).
Batshuayi didn't do himself many favours Sunday despite playing the full 90 minutes at home to Forest, even earning some ironic laughs for preventing a Chelsea goal:
France manager Didier Deschamps continues to call Giroud up to the national team despite his struggles, another indicator of his quality despite the lack of chances he's received of late at club level.
He demonstrated his class during last season's UEFA Europa League final when he scored once and assisted another two goals in a 4-1 victory over former club Arsenal.
Tammy Abraham has since taken over as the first-choice frontman at Stamford Bridge this season, and Giroud seems to have been the main casualty as Lampard realigns his pecking order up top.
It was with the Gunners that he scored arguably the best goal of his career in a 2-0 win against Crystal Palace on January 1, 2017, a scorpion kick that later won that year's Puskas Award, via NBC Sports:
The first of a couple magnificent goals from this decade we'll be sharing today...
Any suitor will hope Giroud could still be capable of such majesty when given a run of opportunities, which are looking increasingly slim in west London.
Callum Hudson-Odoi, Ross Barkley Lead Chelsea Past Nottingham Forest in FA Cup
Jan 5, 2020
Chelsea's Callum Hudson-Odoi, 2nd left, celebrates after scoring the opening goal during an English FA Cup third round soccer match between Chelsea and Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge in London, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020. (AP Photo/Ian Walton)
Callum Hudson-Odoi opened the scoring after just six minutes, and Ross Barkley added to the lead before half-time. Forest rarely threatened the Blues, who cruised to the final whistle.
Chelsea made a dream start to Sunday's match, opening the scoring after just a few minutes. The ball was worked to Hudson-Odoi, who cut inside on to his left foot before firing the ball into the bottom corner.
He's been an effective option at home for the Blues:
11 - Callum Hudson-Odoi has been directly involved in 11 goals in his 13 starts at Stamford Bridge for Chelsea in all competitions, scoring five and assisting six. Alternative. pic.twitter.com/eDH7g1lbg1
The early lead was exactly what the favourites needed and allowed them to settle into the game. Forest could do little to gain a foothold in the midfield battle, although Alex Mighten threatened just about every time he got on the ball.
Emerson and Barkley both caused some panic in the Forest box with crosses that went begging, and Michy Batshuayi got in the way of a Pedro shot that looked destined for the net.
Forest nearly found a shock breakthrough midway through the first half, when Mighten earned the team a penalty after he was pulled back by Fikayo Tomori. The video assistant referee overruled the decision, however, spotting a marginal offside in the buildup.
ESPN FC's Dale Johnson didn't believe Tomori committed a foul to begin with:
The battle to find the tightest offside of the season goes on.
(This was actually a waste of time anyway as it wasn't a penalty, Fikayo Tomori won the ball. But the VAR should work in chronological order) pic.twitter.com/esbyeSbaHV
The Blues pushed for a second goal and found it shortly after the half-hour mark, with Barkley firing home a rebound after Hudson-Odoi's initial effort was saved.
The last chance of the half fell to Batshuayi, who couldn't keep his header on target after lovely work from Reece James.
Chelsea eased their way into the second half, dropping the intensity even further. It led to a cagey start and Forest's first real chance of the match, with Willy Caballero making a routine save from Joao Carvalho.
Jordan Smith also got to show his ability in the Forest goal, making an excellent save to keep out Barkley's header. Mateo Kovacic tried to get a shot away from a promising position, but miscued his attempt and missed the target.
The VAR again played a major role in the second half, ruling out a Ryan Yates goal for offside. Per Liam Twomey of the Athletic, it was another close call:
Chelsea saved by MS Paint for the second time today - this time a classic of the VARmpit genre against Yates #cfc
Batshuayi did not have a good outing on Sunday and perhaps should have scored with 20 minutes on the clock, diverting a cross over the bar.
The final 20 minutes played out without major incidents, with Mighten the only visiting player who still put up a fight.
What's Next?
The Blues will host Burnley on Saturday. Forest visit Reading that same day.
Jody Morris: Callum Hudson-Odoi 'Knows He Can Do Better' Amid Chelsea Struggles
Jan 5, 2020
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 01: Callum Hudson-Odoi of Chelsea reacts during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea FC at American Express Community Stadium on January 01, 2020 in Brighton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
Chelsea assistant manager Jody Morris has said winger Callum Hudson-Odoi "knows he can do better" after a difficult recent spell of form.
Hudson-Odoi was expected to play a big role for the Blues this season, having burst on to the scene and established himself as a regular in the first team last term.
However, since returning to the side in September following a ruptured Achilles in April, the 19-year-old has struggled to reach the same heights that made him such an exciting operator at the end of last season.
Ahead of the team's FA Cup clash with Nottingham Forest on Sunday, Morris was asked about Hudson-Odoi's performances, per Nizaar Kinsella of Goal:
"He was one of the best players in the building for a long time. He did okay last year when he came in, albeit not in the kind of bigger games but remember his age, the fact he hasn't played regular first-team football and the seriousness of the injury.
"I think those are things you do have to take into account; you need to give the kid time. Can he do better? Yes. He knows he can do better.
"He has been told he can do better, but at the same time, there are moments when you see things he is doing like in the Southampton game that we have asked of him off-the-ball."
As Scouted Football highlighted, the Southampton match Morris referenced was Hudson-Odoi's first start in the top flight for a long time:
Although Hudson-Odoi wasn't at his best in the shock loss to Saints at Stamford Bridge, broadcaster Alex Goldberg believes the teenager made a positive cameo in Chelsea's recent 2-1 win at Arsenal:
An absolute step in the right direction today for Hudson-Odoi. Looked much more like himself. pic.twitter.com/DWMFOibGRj
Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has helped a number of the club's younger players to kick on this season, with Fikayo Tomori, Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham all establishing themselves as part of an exciting team.
When Hudson-Odoi returned from injury, it was anticipated he would gradually push himself into contention too. But he doesn't appear to have done enough to earn the trust of his manager to start high-profile matches.
The teenager's performances have been inconsistent too; according to The Athletic's Simon Johnson, that's prompted some criticism from supporters, which Hudson-Odoi is aware of:
A worrying detail in @SJohnsonSport’s very good Hudson-Odoi piece. He’s 19 and trying to re-find his rhythm and confidence after a serious injury. It’s hard to see how this helps anyone.
Given his age and the injury he suffered, it's not a huge surprise to see the England international's development stall a little this season.
Hudson-Odoi will be expected to start Sunday's clash with Forest, and the match will be an ideal opportunity for him to show what he can do. At his best, his searing speed, trickery and composure in the final third can give Chelsea another thrilling attacking dynamic.
Chelsea Assistant Jody Morris Talks 'Class Act' Olivier Giroud's Future
Jan 3, 2020
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 30: Olivier Giroud of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and West Ham United at Stamford Bridge on November 30, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images)
Chelsea assistant boss Jody Morris said the club won't let Olivier Giroud leave in January if his departure means they will be lacking cover.
Per Goal's Nizaar Kinsella, Morris was asked about Giroud at a press conference on Friday ahead of the Blues' FA Cup clash with Nottingham Forest on Sunday:
Morris on Giroud's future: "He still plays for Chelsea. It has to be for the benefit of the club. We can't just let him walk out of the club and make us short. Of course, you think of the player as well." He adds, "he has been a class act." #CFC
Giroud is in the final six months of his contract at Stamford Bridge, and his future has been the subject of much speculation. In December, France manager Didier Deschamps said the striker "may have to move" in January to earn enough game time to warrant consideration for Les Bleus' UEFA Euro 2020 squad, per Goal's Robin Bairner.
The striker has spent more time on the pitch playing for his national side this season than he has for his club. At Chelsea, Giroud has made seven appearances in all competitions, scoring once. He has played a total of 282 minutes, an average of just 40 minutes per outing.
On December 4, Giroud was an unused substitute as Chelsea beat Aston Villa 2-1. The Blues have played eight matches since then in all competitions, and the 33-year-old has not even made the squad once.
With France, he's played all six of their matches this season, starting five and accruing 438 minutes on the pitch, scoring four goals. However, it will be difficult for Deschamps to continue picking him ahead of players who are featuring regularly at club level.
Much will depend on what Chelsea do with Michy Batshuayi. Aston Villa reportedly want him on loan for the remainder of the campaign, per Sky Sports' Lyall Thomas and Rob Dorsett.
If the Blues keep hold of the Belgian, they will likely feel he is sufficient cover for Tammy Abraham and allow Giroud to leave. Should Batshuayi go out on loan, it seems Giroud will have to stay put.
If that is the case he would at least be bumped up the pecking order, and his playing time should increase somewhat. But it may not be as significant as he would like. Batshuayi has only played 369 minutes this season despite getting on the pitch 18 times.
