These stories are samples pulled from external media sources. They do not represent the views or position of Chelsea Football Club.

Alonso and Giroud named in team of the week

BBC analyst Garth Crooks has included Marcos Alonso and Olivier Giroud in the BBC team of the week after the recalled duo produced goal-scoring displays in our 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

Making just his third Premier League start of the season, Giroud opened the scoring against Spurs after 15 minutes.

‘It may have been his first league start since the end of November, but Giroud doesn't seem to have lost his desire to score goals or lead the Chelsea front-line,’ said Crooks of the Chelsea striker.

‘The France forward's first league goal for 10 months was a fabulous strike. Giroud's emergence from the shadows gives manager Frank Lampard options, especially as Batshuayi is in such poor form and Tammy Abraham is still coming to terms with his first full season in the Premier League.’

Crooks was just as impressed with the performance of Alonso, who got his second goal of the campaign after a well-worked move early in the second half.

‘The ball by Alonso for Mason Mount in the early exchanges of this London derby was an immediate reminder of how much I, and indeed the Blues, had missed the quality of his left foot,’ added the former England forward.

‘Only minutes later we saw a lovely volley flash over the bar with his weaker right foot. But what took place thereafter was a moment of sheer magic. Three minutes into the second half saw the most exquisite first-time ball from Ross Barkley set up a glorious strike by Alonso that put the game beyond Spurs.

‘It momentarily took my mind off the awful decision to leave Tottenham's Giovani lo Celso on the pitch for his shocking tackle on Cesar Azpilicueta.’

Blues keeping an eye on Icardi situation

Citing a report from Italy, the Sun suggests the Blues are monitoring striker Mauro Icardi’s situation at Paris Saint-Germain and weighting up the possibility of a summer move for the Argentinian forward.

Icardi is currently on loan from Inter Milan to Paris Saint-Germain, who have an option to make the move permanent. However, the report indicates he may be having second thoughts about endorsing the arrangement.

‘Chelsea are among the teams considering an approach if the transfer falls through,’ states the Sun.

‘According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Chelsea are said to have taken note of the 27-year-old’s situation, with Real Madrid and Juventus also keeping an eye on developments.

‘Icardi has been in sensational form in the French capital, with 19 goals in 28 appearances this season.

‘But he was left on the bench in PSG’s first leg defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League last-16 and that decision could force him to rethink his future at the Parc des Princes.’

Muller confident Bayern will beat Blues

Bayern Munich forward Thomas Muller has told the Athletic he is confident the German side will advance to the quarter-finals of the Champions League against a Chelsea side who ‘are not the best team in Europe right now’.

The 30-year-old, who scored in the 2012 final but saw his side lose in a penalty shootout to the Blues, is looking forward to playing at Stamford Bridge for the first time in his career but feels our current side holds no fears for himself and his team-mates.

‘Chelsea have young, talented players and a quality team that can really hurt you. We need to be well-prepared for their particular strengths,’ he said.

‘But they’re not the best team in Europe right now and we don’t need to be afraid. I’m confident.’

Muller added he had a healthy respect for current Chelsea boss Frank Lampard, who skippered the Blues to victory on that fateful night in Munich eight years ago.

‘He was a super player,’ said the former Germany international.

‘He played practical football. Technically very good, super shooting technique, super with long balls - a midfielder who could work and be dangerous in front of goal at the same time.

‘He simply knew: these are the things you need to do to win football matches. He was a player I can really relate to.’