John Obi Mikel faces a battle to win over Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti.

The Independent says Ancelotti has doubts about Obi Mikel's ability to adjust to his midfield diamond formation.

He has withdrawn the Nigerian international during both games, at the weekend saying he needed "greater quality".

On both occasions Mikel was replaced by the German captain Michael Ballack, who so far has been the odd man out as Ancelotti decides which of his star names to leave out. Ballack, however, did not slip into Mikel's defensive role, as Michael Essien was asked to fill his shoes.