When quizzed about Olivier Giroud’s future on Monday, Frank Lampard replied: ‘I still think he’s got a big contribution for us.’
He was responding to remarks from Mickael Manuello, the France striker’s agent, who has indicated his client will look to leave in January due to a lack of game time.
The Chelsea manager obviously knew something the rest of us didn’t. Whether Giroud is prepared to settle for a bit-part role at Stamford Bridge will come out in the wash.
What we do know, however, is that Chelsea have qualified for the Champions League knockout stages courtesy of an injury time goal from their unsettled World Cup winner.