MIKEL Obi expects a battle to win back his place in Chelsea's midfield after a month with the Nigeria team in the just concluded African Cup of Nations. Mikel has returned from Nigeria's African Nations Cup campaign in Angola.
He is now focusing on earning a place in Carlo Ancelotti's starting 11, the first opportunity being Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, which would be his 150th Chelsea appearance.
“I've kept in touch with Gary [Staker, player liaison officer] and some of the players, and I always want to know what the score is," he told chelseafc.com.
"I saw some of the games while I was in Angola, the game against Burnley and Preston in the Cup, so I've known what has been going on, and they have done really well without the African players. "It isn't going to be easy for us to walk back into the team again. We know we have to come back, work hard and support the team."
The Nigerian ace featured in all five of the Super Eagles' international games in January, including an energy-sapping quarter-final that required extra-time and penalties. However, Mikel feels he is fit enough to compete domestically.
"I feel okay, I came back on Tuesday, had some medical tests and everything went well so I'm fit and ready to go again, ready for Arsenal who are a very good team, so if I am selected I can help the team as much as I can."
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