For Mikel Obi, it is back to business with Chelsea with whom he won the UEFA Champions League last season. The midfielder who shone like a million stars with the Blues is currently in the United States where Chelsea are perfecting strategies aimed at improving on their most rewarding season ever that saw them win the double - an FA Cup and a debut CL trophy.

 

The Chelsea train would be passing through Seattle, New York, Philadelphia and Miami. The pre-season is always a difficult time for players, and Mikel is no exception as the squad would be put through several drils to put them in tip-top shape ahead the coming season. And aside that, Mikel has had to adjust to the US time difference.

 

'When we arrived we went to the hotel and everyone was tired,' Mikel was quoted as saying on arrival at the US last Saturday.

'We had a quiet night, had dinner and then went to bed but we tried not to sleep too early, just to fit into the time in Seattle. I slept from about eight o'clock to 4am and then I couldn't sleep anymore, but we are trying to fit into it.”

And having acclimatised, Mikel was in action against Seattle Sounders Wednesday, coming in the second half in a game Chelsea won 4-2.

 

The Super Eagles midfielder who is yet to play under new coach, Stephen Keshi is expected to be in action again against French side, Paris St-Germain tomorrow while a game against MLS All-Star is scheduled for Wednesday during the coming week.

Chelsea would be rounding up their US pre-season tour with a top of the bill clash against Italian giants, AC Milan next weekend.

Mikel would have to be at his very best to keep his place in the team with Chelsea having recruited several other players which would make the battle for a starting shirt even more stiffer.