Mikel set to return as Chelsea beat United

Super Eagles midfielder Mikel Obi has said that he expects to return to training with his club Chelsea this week after he would have recovered from a hip injury.

Mikel was not listed for Sunday’s epic clash at Old Trafford against Manchester United and also missed a Europa League semi-final second leg triumph over FC Basel on Thursday due to the injury.

The player is, however, expected to play a key role in next month’s hectic schedule for the Eagles that will see Nigeria play two 2014 World Cup qualifiers and also feature at the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil.

“I am injured. I have waist pain and that is why I was not listed for the game against Manchester United. It has been so for a few days now. I will be okay soon. In a matter of days I will be alright and get back to training ahead of the weekend game,” he told MTNFootball.com

Chelsea will face London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday in an important English Premier League game and Mikel is likely to again miss this fixture.

In Mikel’s absence on Sunday, his compatriot Victor Moses played a major role as Chelsea defeated Manchester United 1-0. A late own goal from Phil Jones secured Chelsea victory to leave the Londoners poised for a top-four finish and a Champions League place next season.

An angled shot from Spaniard Juan Mata in the 87th minute took a slight deflection off defender Jones and beat keeper Anders Lindegaard.

United defender Rafael was sent off in the 89th minute for kicking out at fellow Brazilian David Luiz, becoming the first player that the champions have had dismissed this season.

Europa League finalists Chelsea moved up to third place on 68 points from 35 games, one ahead of Arsenal, who have played a game more, and three ahead of Tottenham Hotspur, who have also played 35.

A win at home against Spurs on Wednesday would effectively seal a top four finish for Chelsea as they enjoy a far superior goal difference to their London rivals.

“It’s an important win. We knew we needed to win a couple of games and this is the first one,” said Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benitez.

“If we can beat Tottenham on Wednesday, we will be in the top four with two games left to play.”

An excited Moses tweeted soon after the game, “Massive win! Buzzing! Great result fans amazing.”

And on the flight back to London he added.