Mikel doubtful for Blues

Chelsea midfielder Mikel John Obi could miss the next two matches having suffered a thigh injury in Saturday’s 1-0 win at Charlton.

The Barclays Premiership champions are on the brink of withdrawing Mikel from international duty with Nigeria this week even though skipper John Terry has joined up with England after just five minutes on the pitch since his back operation last month.

But Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho said of Mikel: “A young kid of 19 playing five consecutive matches running 12 kilometres a game is, of course, a little tired and feels a little pain.

“We will have it (the injury) scanned but experience says he has a little muscular problem and, for the next 15 days, he is out of competition.”

Mikel joins Ashley Cole (knee), Joe Cole (foot) and Khalid Boulahrouz (knee) in the Chelsea treatment room.