Mikel frustrated by fringe role

Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has become the latest player to express his frustration over a recent lack of games.

But midfielder knows team success is the priority

Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has become the latest player to express his frustration over a recent lack of games. The 24-year-old lost his holding midfield place to Oriol Romeu after November's 2-1 home defeat to Liverpool. But Mikel, who was a second-half substitute in Saturday's disappointing draw at Wigan, knows Chelsea's attempt to find collective team success is the priority.

Difficult

"It has been hard, but the most important thing is that the team keep doing well," he said. "As much as I want to play, the team come first. "If the team keep winning, then I shouldn't complain. Any time I am called upon, I just want to help the team win." Nicolas Anelka is moving to Shanghai Shenhua in January after falling out of favour, while and Alex has had a transfer request accepted. Fernando Torres and Frank Lampard are both thought to be annoyed they are not guaranteed first-team players.