Mikel Obi has said he cannot wait to return for Chelsea against Norwich City on Wednesday after serving a three-match ban.
The Nigeria midfielder was handed a three-match ban and a fine of £60,000 after a race row involving him and referee Mark Clattenburg in October.
Mikel has missed two league games including Sunday’s 8-0 mauling of Aston villa as well as the Capital One quarterfinal at Leeds United. The win has rekindled the Blues interest in the league title having lost out in the UEFA Champions League they had won last season.
“I am happy that the ban is over. It is my past now, so I have to look ahead. I am ready for the game against Norwich City on December 26,” Mikel told MTNFootball.com
“I missed football while I was banned because I always want to be part of the action.
“We are on the high now and I can’t wait to return and be part of the action as it was before my ban.”
Mikel who has trained all along with this teammates may need to go the extra mile to win the heart Rafael Benitez and regain a regular spot in the team as he prepares for another long break from Chelsea with Nigeria’s campaign at Africa nations Cup starting January 19 in South Africa.
Mikel is also expected to be involved in the Premier League fixture on Sunday at Everton where he would likely battle against a team featuring his compatriot Victor Anichebe. Anichebe has just also returned to the pitch after a long layoff due to injury. The injury also cost him a place in the Africa Nations Cup list release by Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi last Friday. Anichebe scored on his return against West Ham on Saturday with a 64th minute goal.
Mikel will likely also be in action in the London derby against Queens Park Rangers on January 2 before he joins up with the Nigeria training camp in Portugal for next month’s Africa Cup of Nations.
source: punch
