John Obi Mikel knows he is playing for his future at Chelsea.

Carlo Ancelotti may have hailed Mikel as the new playmaker in a blue shirt on his arrival in July, however the 22-year-old's lengthy spell on the sidelines since then has ensured a less favourable point of view.

Nigeria midfielder Obi Mikel said: "I am happy with the way things have gone with my injury. I was meant to be out for two to three months, so it is good to be back early.

"My ankle is still not 100 per cent. With injuries like this you have to play with the pain. It takes between four to five months before it heals properly. It still hurts but the doctors said this is what you have to deal with and you have to play with it like that. This is what I'm doing right now.

"Sometimes it's frustrating but you just have to do it. I feel fit enough. I want to help the team keep their good form going. It is what we have to do. Our aim this season is to win every title. I want to help them do this."