AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli insists he has no problem calling on Olivier Giroud.

There is concern Pioli is asking too much from the veteran centre-forward at this stage of the season.

But with Divock Origi and Zlatan Ibrahimovic out injured and Rafael Leao struggling for form, Pioli will keep counting on Giroud.

Ahead of their Champions League clash with Dinamo Zagreb, the coach said: "Olivier is happy to play all the time, less so when we take him off.

"(Charles) De Ketelaere has played there and can do it with different characteristics; in the summer I saw several videos of him and it is a possibility: if there was a need, it is certainly a good solution."

Asked if he will need a striker signed in January, Pioli added: "Between now and January you know how much water has to pass under the bridge ... It's sorry to have two absentees, but there are players who can play there."