It’s no hidden secret: John Obi Mikel is not a favorite of Antonio Conte. With Nemanja Matic and summer-signing N’Golo Kante bossing Chelsea’s midfield, the Nigerian has joined Cesc Fabregas as another player to have lost his position under their new Italian boss.
The Nigerian has not featured in a single game for the Blues, with even a matchday squad berth hard to come by. An exit is most likely, given that he is only 29, with his national team boss giving his opinion on why the midfielder is in this conundrum.
Gernot Rohr, who is preparing his side for a tricky clash with Algeria, painted a not-so-flattering picture of Conte and Chelsea. According to the Super Eagles coach, Obi Mikel is being punished by the club over his decision to join the national side for the 2016 Rio Olympics.
He said (as per the BBC): There is a reason why Mikel is not playing for Chelsea right now and that reason is because he played for Nigeria at the Olympics."
"I cannot punish a player who loves his country and shows that he loves the green jersey.”
Conte, though, insists Obi Mikel’s absence has nothing to do with his international duty. The former Juventus tactician instead blames it on struggles with injury.
Rohr also revealed that his captain is in contention to face Algeria. He added: "He is here with us and he is fit and I hope he can play for 90 minutes against Algeria but if it is not possible, we shall see."
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