Olivier Giroud has cast doubt on his future at Chelsea, saying it is likely he will be heading out of the door at Stamford Bridge in January.

The former Arsenal striker has been consigned to the bench this season after the emergence of Tammy Abraham, who has flourished up front since being given his chance by Frank Lampard.

The French star has therefore found regular game-time hard to come by, featuring just seven times in all competitions - with just one goal to his name.

Olivier Giroud is heading for the Chelsea exit door after becoming sidelined by Frank Lampard

And the World Cup winner believes the end is nigh for his time at the Bridge, saying a switch looks likely because 'I don't have enough time to express myself'.

Speaking to Le Dauphine Libere, he admitted he would soon speak with Lampard to gain some clarity on his future and sort out an exit.

'It will be difficult to stay at Chelsea,' he said.

The Frenchman is working hard in training to prove his fitness ahead of a January transfer

Giroud has not even made the bench in some games for Chelsea and looks to be third choice

'I'm going to have a chat with the coach. Chances are, there will be a change because I don't have enough time to express myself on the pitch.'

Giroud, who arrived in the Premier League after winning Ligue 1 with Montpellier in 2012, says a return to France is an option.

'For the moment, I am a Chelsea player. I still have some games to play here before the transfer window opens [on January 1].

The World Cup winner has mooted the possibility of him returning to France in January

'Then we will sit around a table and find the best decision for me. France is one of the possible solutions.'

Giroud's contract at Stamford Bridge expires next summer, so even if a move cannot be agreed for him in January, an exit looks inevitable as Lampard switches to a more youthful looking team.

He has struggled to become first choice since signing for the club from Arsenal in 2017, but has offered Chelsea another option in a number of competitions - making 70 appearances and scoring 19 goals.