John Obi Mikel, Chelsea FC‘s defensive midfielder, has been ruled out by Jose Mourinho until April. After having missed four games already it has been revealed that the Nigerian underwent a meniscus surgery that will keep him sidelined for at least three more weeks.
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The injury was initially believed to be a head injury suffered in the FA Cup match against Bradford City but he returned to action against Aston Villa in the Premier League.
It is not clear exactly when Obi Mikel suffered the knee injury but it is likely that it happened during the Aston Villa match. It could also have been a niggling injury that the club and Mikel decided to address before the home stretch of the season.
Jose Mourinho on Mikel’s injury and when Chelsea FC expect him back:
"“Mikel had a little surgery on his meniscus. We are expecting him to be out for about a month, one week is already gone, there is not too much optimism or pessimim. I would say [he will return] first week of April.”Source: Sportal.com"
Many believed that Mikel would be called upon to replace the suspended Nemanja Matic in the Capital One Cup final but he was ruled out in the week leading up to it and Kurt Zouma stepped in to the defensive midfield role. Apart from having already missed the Capital One Cup final and away match vs West Ham, Mikel will also miss at least three more matches which include the second leg against PSG, Southampton at Stamford Bridge, and Hull City at the KC Stadium.
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Mikel may not be the most dynamic or creative player, but as a defensive midfielder he gets the job done and is an excellent replacement for Matic in that he does well defensively. His confirmed absence may allow Kurt Zouma to remain as the pivot alongside Nemanja Matic or may even give youngster, Nathan Ake, the opportunity to get some minutes before the season comes to a close.
Ideally Nemanja Matic would stay healthy for the rest of the season for Chelsea FC and steer clear of any more trouble with officials. Perhaps during the time that Mikel is out of commission, Nathan Ake can get some minutes when Chelsea FC is comfortably ahead to keep Matic fresh. Playing defensive midfield is a heavy responsibility but the youngster might as well learn now while the Blues are thin in that department.