Mikel return from hip injury

Chelsea fielded Mikel Obifor the full 90 minutes in the first of two high friendly matches against Manchester City on Thursday (Friday, Nigerian time).The Europa League winners raced to three goal lead by the 60th minute but were brought down to earth by City’s four goals reply. Mikel was playing for the first time after a hip injury that kept him out of the last three weeks of the 2012/13 season. He was paired in central midfield by Chelsea U-18 player, Ruben Loftus-Cheek. The Nigerian who has asked to be dropped from the Super Eagles friendly match against Mexico on May 31 spear headed the first goal as his pass from deep released Yossi Benayoun who then passed on to Juan Mata to deliver the cross from which Demba B scored with a header. Coach Stephen Keshi had stated that he was not sure about the midfielder’s fitness but having featured for all of 90 minutes against City, the Super Eagles coach can be rest assured that Mikel will be ready for Kenya on June 5. England internationals, Gary Cahill, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole will be excused from the second friendly slated for Saturday to prepare with their national team as they prosecute friendly matches against Republic of Ireland and Brazil.