John Obi Mikel has admitted that the competition for places in midfield at Chelsea does affect him despite the team's recent success.

Three league victories in a row have arrived since David Luiz's move to midfield and Mikel believes that the number of players that can operate in his position creates a psychological battle.

The Nigerian said: "It affects you because I've been here for a long time.

"I've always played with Frank and now I've played with Rami (Ramires) as well - they're all great players. Now I have to play with David Luiz.

"It's just a lot. I think, psychologically as well. You think, 'If I'm playing today, who am I going to play with?' - because they're all great players."

Mikel will be absent from the Chelsea squad while he joins up with the Nigeria squad for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Written by
Callum Mulvihill