With Timo Werner initially Frank Lampard’s preferred choice up front and more recently, Tammy Abraham with Werner in a wider position, Olivier Giroud has been limited to one start this season.That came in the Carabao Cup at Tottenham with the Frenchman having scored his one goal this season in the previous round against Barnsley. That was one of four substitute appearances so far.Lampard has discussed Giroud’s demeanour with others having more minutes on the pitch.‘He’s given a typically great response, which is to train as well as possible and his support around the group is amazing,’ said the head coach.‘That’s just a fact with Oli and maybe not always a fact when people are out of the team, so I can’t speak highly enough of him on that side.'

Looking further back, Lampard added:‘Tammy Abraham for at least half of last season was one of the top scorers in the Premier League but when Oli came in after the restart he performed very well for us. He was a huge factor in us getting into the top four.‘It’s a part of my job I don’t like when top players and top people that are great around the group don’t always play but I always have difficult selections to make.’

Read: Lampard pinpoints ways Chelsea can improve