Nigerian international midfielder John Mikel Obi will have to wait for a while before he makes his return to action for Barclays English Premier League table-toppers Chelsea.
According to Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, the Nigerian will not be considered for Saturday's match against Stoke City despite training all week with the team.
Mourinho explained in the pre-match conference on Friday that "Mikel is fine" but "very tired."
The Chelsea gaffer also gave Mikel a clean bill of health.
"Mikel is fine and working all week with the group but he is very tired so he is not selected, but he is not injured," the Chelsea manager said.
Mourinho further gave insight into why he believes Mikel is still not ready to feature for Chelsea after his recovery from injury.
"He is tired because he was injured for a month, he had surgery and he was not working with the group, so after four sessions with the group he needs time to adapt and needs time to be in condition," explained Mourinho.
Mikel has been sidelined for just over a month due to a minor knee injury which required surgery.
The 27-year-old, in between being sidelined, missed Nigeria's two internationals against Uganda and South Africa in Uyo and Nelspruit respectively last month.
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