Chelsea Legend Obi Mikel Returns To Action For Stoke City After 31 Days

Published: December 30, 2020

Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel returned to Stoke City's matchday squad as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Nottingham Forest in a Championship clash staged at the bet365 Stadium on Tuesday night.

The former Nigeria skipper, who made the switch to the Potters in the summer transfer window, had been fighting for fitness since suffering an injury during the goalless draw with Sheffield Wednesday on November 28.

Thirty one days after his last appearance for Stoke City, manager Michael O'Neill introduced the Nigerian off the bench as a replacement for Jordan Thompson with 22 minutes left on the clock.

The Potters went in front in the 18th minute through a direct corner from Thompson but an unfortunate own goal by James Chester in the 65th minute allowed Nottingham Forest leave with a share of the spoils.

Without Mikel in the squad, O'Neill's side picked up twelve points from a possible 21 and were beaten by Tottenham Hotspur in the quarterfinal of the Carabao Cup.

In the Championship standings, Stoke City, who are undefeated in their last five games, are seventh with 35 points ahead of their trip to Bournemouth on Saturday, January 2, 2021.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : stokecityfc.com

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