Chelsea Doctor To Lagerback: No Cause For Mikel Alarm

Chelsea Doctor To Lagerback: No Cause For Mikel Alarm

Wednesday, May 19, 2010, 6:21

Super Eagles boss Lars Lagerback has received positive news on the fitness update of Chelsea midfielder, John Mikel Obi.

The 23 year-old Nigerian international who is expected to play a pivotal role in the Eagles’ World Cup campaign in South Africa has not been featured in a couple of games of late for the League and FA Cup winners due to a minor knee injury, but Chelsea’s team doctor, Bryan English has told Lagerback that Mikel will be fit and ready for the World Cup.

Taiwo Ogunjobi, chairman of the technical committee of the Nigeria Football Federation disclosed to Complete Sports that the Eagles boss felt it was appropriate ringing up Mikel and the doctor and Lagerback was happy that he got a good news from Stamford Bridge.

“Prior to our (NFF’s) arrival in London, coach Lars Lagerback called Mikel and Chelsea’s team doctor, Bryan English and was very happy to hear of the positive development that Mikel has been making towards recovering from his injury.

“He (Lagerback) is in support of Mikel facing his rehabilitation, so has excused him from being in Abuja for the Presidential send off party on Thursday,” Ogunjobi added.

Complete Sports reported yesterday that Mikel engages in pool training which the Blues’ team doctor explained will aid the quick healing of his skin because of the pressure he is exerting with the exercise.

Meanwhile, Complete Sports confirm that Lagerback was not at Wembley Stadium last Saturday when Chelsea beat Portsmouth to win the FA Cup.

The Swede had been reported in the local press here that he would be at Wembley to watch Nwankwo Kanu and John Utaka in action.