Chelsea team news: Giroud could start against Manchester United

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has revealed Olivier Giroud could start against Manchester United on Sunday.

Giroud has made a positive impact at Chelsea since arriving from Arsenal on the final day of the January transfer window.

Conte’s decision to drop Giroud back to the bench against Barcelona was justified in the end but the France international could return at Old Trafford even though Alvaro Morata is also available once again.

“I think Olivier is working very well with us, and I’m pleased,” the London Evening Standard quote Conte as saying on Friday.

“It seems as if he’s been with us for a long time, and not just two weeks. For the game [on Sunday] he’s in contention.

“We’ll see what my final decision will be for the starting XI.”

However, Chelsea will be without Tiemoue Bakayoko for the fourth game in a row as the midfielder continues his recovery from injury.

As for Giroud, the 31-year-old has played a direct hand in four goals in his first two matches for Chelsea (one goal, three assists).

The Frenchman has only scored two goals in 11 previous appearances against United and both were as a substitute.