Conte speaks on Olivier Giroud's fitness

√ The Italian tactician explained that the club will check his physical condition

Chelsea coach Antonio Conte has stated clearly that Frenchman Olivier Giroud is unlikely to start for the Blues in their next Premier League game at Watford.

Chelsea splashed out £18m to sign Giroud from London rivals Arsenal handing him an 18-month contract at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues will be on their way to Vicarage Road next Monday, but Conte does not expect Giroud to be ready to start with Eden Hazard likely to fill in for crocked first-choice striker Alvaro Morata.

He said: “We are starting to work with him but we have to check his physical condition. It is difficult to see him start.

“Giroud is a player with a lot of experience. He is 31, we are not talking about a young player and for this reason our expectation is to help us and I asked the club for this type of the player and the club gave me this,''
Conte told Chelsea website.