Mikel hopes for quick return

Super Eagles and Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi is out of the Chelsea line-up for the match against Fulham on Monday but he is hopeful he should make it back to the pitch faster than the doctors initially stated. Spanish youngster Oriol Romeu is tipped to replace the Nigeria in the starting line-up for the Boxing Day fixture.But despite the injury lay off Mikel believes he should be fit again for New Year eves home game against Aston Villa after he suffered a muscle problem in last Thursdays match at Tottenham Hotspurs.The Super Eagles midfielder received the injury in stoppage time of the first half of the London derby, which ended 1-1. It was Mikel return to the starting line-up after he was displaced by Romeu following the match at home to Liverpool which Chelsea lost 2-1.Immediate post match reports had suggested that he may have pulled his hamstring and could be out for three weeks, but he has now said he will be fit as the injury was not as serious as first thought.I will be out of acting for about a week or so due to muscle pain, Mikel told MTNFootball.com The injury is not as serious as we all first thought. Im under examination and I was made to understand it is not so bad to keep me out for long. I hope to play against Villa.He said he was delighted to be back in the first team at Spurs after Spanish youngster Oriel Romeu was preferred thereafter.He said, I am happy that I have regained my position in the starting line-up after some weeks of playing as substitute. I am pleased with any role given to me by the manager, who picks the team.Mikels fitness will be great relief to manager Andre Villas-Boas with the Ivorian pair of Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou getting set to depart for the African Nations Cup in January. Brazilian David Luiz is also doubtful for the match at Fulham.
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