Kurt Zouma: 'Olivier Giroud is frustrated at Chelsea'

Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma has admitted that Olivier Giroud is frustrated with his continued omission from Frank Lampard's starting XI.

The France striker has been reduced to just two starts for the Blues in all competitions this season, with his last appearance coming against Burnley last month.

Lampard has opted to install Tammy Abraham as first-choice - a decision that has been vindicated by the latter's tally of 10 goals from 12 Premier League appearances.

Speaking on the subject of his teammate, Zouma told Canal+: "He is frustrated, he wants to play more. Like any football player, he wants to be on the pitch, but he is taking everything very calmly.

"He is a professional, he works hard in training. I have a lot of respect for the player he is. As someone in the dressing room, he is someone who gives advice to Tammy and Michy."

Chelsea have entered a decent run of form under their new manager, with last weekend's 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace taking them to third in the Premier League table.