Chelsea supporters are eager for Olivier Giroud to be included for the Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday evening.
Giroud sat out the last three Premier League fixtures entirely and hasn’t featured since the 0-0 draw with Manchester United last month.
But the French forward will have fond memories of facing Atletico, having scored a sensational bicycle kick in the reverse fixture that that handed the Blues victory.
And there was a huddle of Chelsea fans who were hoping for the same heroics at Stamford Bridge later this week.
Thomas Tuchel may just need another moment of magic from Giroud if Chelsea are to overcome a revenge seeking Atletico.
His side have been short of a real goal scorer in the past few matches.
The Blues blushes have been saved by an almost impenetrable defence, but sooner or later their fort will be breached.
This is where Tuchel’s strikers will need to step up and usually Giroud has been the man for that occasion.
Especially on big European nights, as demonstrated during the first leg clash with Atletico in Bucharest.
Another goal on Wednesday would be a priceless contribution from the £110,000 per-week (Spotrac) forward and one that may just send Chelsea into the quarter finals.
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I definitely agree that Giroud should be in from the off, although I’m not so sure Tuchel will agree.
With Mason Mount suspended, Chelsea have already lost one of their man sources of energy in attack.
Giroud is not blessed with pace, nor the ability to press constantly, so Tuchel may look for fresher legs in that department i.e. Kai Havertz and Timo Werner.
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