Mikel expected to return next month

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho expects John Mikel Obi to return to action early next month.

The Nigerian midfielder, 27, has been struggling with a knee problem and has not featured since the Blues’ win at Aston Villa on 7 February.

Mikel recently underwent surgery and Mourinho believes he could be available in around three weeks.

He said: “Mikel had a little surgery. I was expecting him to be out for about a month and one week has already gone.

“So I would say, with not too much optimism or pessimism, Mikel to play in the first week of April.”

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