Mikel set for cup recall
19 Mar 2007 - 14:46:16
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- Mikel set for cup recall
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho could hand John Obi Mikel a starting place against Tottenham in the FA Cup sixth round replay at White Hart Lane after the Nigerian youngster completed his suspension.
Mikel was handed a four-match ban after being sent off in the Carling Cup Final success against Arsenal but is now available to Mourinho again.
"Mikel was doing well in the games against Porto and Arsenal and the suspension was a shame because he was ready for the jump to more regular games," said the Blues boss.
"We're involved in the battle for all the trophies so there are more games we have to play and win than almost anyone else.
"That is why we will have to use some rotation where we can but it's not always easy. It has been that sort of season but we have been able to cope and win and then move on.
"I hope the referee (Martin Atkinson) will be at the level of both teams. We were unlucky twice against Tottenham - once with Graham Poll and once with Mike Riley.
"I trust every referee. I know every referee wants to do their best. He has to be honest like everyone is. My deep feelings are that everybody is honest. He needs a little bit of luck to have a good game.
"I expect to be in the final. I am that confident because the team are fighting hard for that. Against Tottenham we were out of the FA Cup at half-time.
"Nobody believed we could still be in, only us, but we fought hard to be back and to deserve this second game. It will be a difficult game but we believe we are going to win."