Olivier Giroud isn’t in Chelsea’s starting team tonight, which didn’t initially raise too many eyebrows. He’s been interchanging with Tammy Abraham all season after all, and a midweek change wouldn’t have shocked anyone.
But he wasn’t on the bench either, and that was notable. He’s usually Frank Lampard’s first option if we need a goal.
According to Simon Johnson of the Athletic, there’s a little more to it than rotation. Giroud picked up an ankle injury against Fulham, it seems:
Regarding Olivier Giroud’s absence for #CFC tonight, been told he picked up an ankle injury against Fulham. It’s not too serious but was too painful to be in squad to face Leicester. #LEICHE
— Simon Johnson (@SJohnsonSport) January 19, 2021
A turned ankle hopeful only spells a few days out, and Tammy is able cover. If we can squeeze out a win tonight Giroud should have plenty of time to recover, or an able deputy to fill in for him.
The issue will be late in this game if we’re pushing for a goal, and have no classy target man on the bench to call on. Maybe this will be Timo Werner’s chance to shine.
