Frank Lampard has revealed that Olivier Giroud’s recent absence has been due to illness.
Giroud has featured just five times so far this season, starting two games, with his last outing coming as a 73rd-minute substitute in the Blues’ 1-0 Champions League loss to Valencia last week.
He was absent from the matchday squad for Chelsea‘s 2-1 defeat to Liverpool at the weekend and was also missing from the 18 for their resounding 7-1 win over Grimsby on Wednesday evening, Michy Batshuayi having been afforded a chance to impress, scoring twice.
Asked after the game about the Frenchman’s absence, Frank Lampard confirmed that the striker is still recovering from an illness, though is delighted to have Belgian forward Batshuayi giving him a selection headache.
“He has been ill,” Lampard said of Giroud.
“It took him out of Liverpool and [he is] still recovering.
“Michy has trained well and made an impact. It’s great for me. He can hold the ball up and he is important for us.”
Chelsea’s win over Grimsby set up a mouthwatering tie with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Manchester United in the last 16 of the competition.
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