Tianjin Teda of China midfielder, John Mikel Obi has downplayed fears over another long injury blight, as he insists it was only a slight knee discomfort that kept him out of last weekend’s clash against Dalian Yifang.
Despite hints in the wake of the match suggesting that he is heading for a long period on the sidelines, the former Lyn Oslo of Norway and Chelsea of England star said he should be back in action this weekend against Hebei.
However, Mikel did not train normally with the rest of his teammates on Wednesday, with the defensive midfielder continuing his recovery work and running alone on the sidelines.
The 31-year-old has to fully recover from the ailment to boost the surge by Tianjin, who are now 10th on the 16-team log with 18 points after 14 games.
Teda will surely need Mikel to help them avoid a repeat of last season when they had to struggle in his absence, but the star has assured hew will be back faster than feared.
Mikel declared: “I had a slight knee injury, but not so serious; hopefully I will play this weekend. We have a game on Thursday but I have not gotten the all clear from the medics so maybe on Sunday I will return to the field.”
