GIROUD: IF I DON’T PLAY I’LL BE OFF

OLIVIER GIROUD last night insisted he could quit Chelsea if he is not given assurances about more playing time next season.

The French World Cup winner will again lead the attack against Slavia Prague as the Europa League’s top scorer with nine goals.

The 32-year-old is out of contract at the end of this season. Chelsea have the option to trigger a one-year extension but talks have yet to begin.

But Giroud said: “I’m not satisfied with being second choice. The important thing for me is to have more minutes. I’m a competitor so obviously I want to play more.

“I don’t know what will happen. I have to meet the club. I’m happy to be here. I just want to enjoy it. I don’t want to retire. They must talk to me before the end of the season.

“With what I’ve achieved here there is no reason they won’t give me one more year. But I need to be happy.

“I’m very frustrated when I’m not on the pitch. I just don’t want to show it. You need to keep that frustration inside you and transform it into positive energy on the pitch.

“Trust me, I’m not happy to play the second role. That’s why I said next year I will need to have a more important role to play.”

Defender Gary Cahill, who has not played since November 29, is set to be in the squad with Antonio Rudiger and Ethan Ampadu both injured.

With Mauricio Sarri absent having dental work, his assistant Gianfranco Zola said: “Gary has been exceptional as a professional, always training very well. It’s been a tough year for him.”

Slavia coach Jindich Trpisovsky said: “We’re going to war tonight so we’ve got to get ready.”