Chelsea are punishing midfielder John Mikel Obi for representing Nigeria at the Rio Olympics, says the country's coach Gernot Rohr, reports BBC Sport.

The 29 year old captained his country to bronze in Brazil this summer but has not played for the Blues this season.

Rohr said: "There is a reason why Mikel is not playing for Chelsea right now and that reason is because he played for Nigeria at the Olympics."

Mikel will play in Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Algeria.

Rohr added: "I cannot punish a player who loves his country and shows that he loves the green jersey.

"He is here with us and he is fit and I hope he can play for 90 minutes against Algeria but if it is not possible, we shall see."

Chelsea declined to comment on Rohr's statement.