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Giroud pondering France return after admitting Chelsea stay is ‘difficult’

Olivier Giroud is considering a return to France after admitting it will be ‘difficult’ to remain at Chelsea beyond the January transfer window.

The veteran forward has fallen down the pecking order following the emergence of Tammy Abraham this season, making just two starts in all competitions for Frank Lampard’s Chelsea side this season.

Giroud admits his situation makes it ‘difficult’ for him to remain at Stamford Bridge and has hinted that a move away is likely in the upcoming winter window, the 33-year-old keen to secure regular first-team football to cement his place in the France squad ahead of next summer’s European Championships.

“It will be difficult to stay at Chelsea,” Giroud told La Dauphine Libere.

“I’m going to have a chat with the coach. Chances are, there will be a change because I don’t have enough time to express myself on the pitch.”

Giroud added that he is focused on Chelsea’s upcoming games with Southampton and his former side Arsenal ahead of the opening of the window on January 1, but says a return to Ligue 1 is a possibility, while Premier League side Crystal Palace are believed to be interested in his signature.

“For the moment, I am a Chelsea player. I still have some games to play here before the transfer window opens,” he added.

“Then we will sit around a table and find the best decision for me. France is one of the possible solutions.”

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