Stoke Boss Reveals Mikel Was Keen To Face Tottenham Hotspur But Ex-Chelsea Star Is Not Fit

Published: December 22, 2020

Stoke City manager Michael O'Neill will not be able to count on the services of former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel when his side take on Tottenham Hotspur in the quarterfinal of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening.

It was earlier thought the the Super Eagles legend was nearing a return to fitness but there is a new setback in his recovery from the injury that has kept him on the sidelines since November 28.

Given his Chelsea connection and relationship with Jose Mourinho - the coach that brought him to England in 2006 - it's no surprise that Mikel desperately wanted to feature against the London club.

Speaking at Tuesday's pre-match press conference, O'Neill said : "John won’t be fit in time for the game.

"It was a game he was very keen to be involved in but he had a little set back on Friday and we’ve just got to manage him over this week for the game on Saturday to see if he’s ready for that".

Mikel has not figured for the Potters in their last six matches in the Championship due to the ailment, having started their first fourteen games of 2020-2021.

The 33-year-old was one of the protagonists in Stoke City's 1-0 win over Aston Villa in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : stokecityfc.com

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