John obi Mikel is one of longest serving Chelsea players having been at the club since 2007. Even though the arrival of Nemanja Matic for £ 26 million last January threatened to send him out of the club, he has managed to soldier on.
Mikel has not been a first-team regular for Chelsea this season, but he has been useful as a backup player to Matic. Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho recently confirmed that the midfielder will not be available for up to a month after undergoing an ankle surgery. He will miss the crucial game against Paris St Germain at Stamford Bridge.

The blues have a great opportunity to reach the quarter-finals of the competition after managing to secure a 1-1 away draw in the first leg. The away goal gives Chelsea a significant advantage, which is likely to force Mourinho into adopting defensive tactics at the Bridge. The lack ofMikel could force the Chelsea boss into utilising Ramires or Cesc Fabregas, both of whom are not specialist defensive midfielders, in this position as a solution. This has not prevented Mikel from wishing the Chelsea supporters on the eve of the club’s 110th birthday. Founded in 1905, Chelsea is one of oldest clubs in England.

"I have always appreciated the Chelsea fans, they’ve been amazing. They’re always there to support the team week in, week out, which just shows how brilliant they are.It’s been an amazing journey. I’ve enjoyed every bit of it. I’ve worked with some great people, great players from when I came to the ones that are here now. They’ve all been brilliant. Happy 110th birthday to Chelsea FC and all Chelsea fans,” said Mikel. The 27-year-old has featured in only 15 matches, and even scoring a goal, in all competitions with most of them as late substitutes.