John Obi Mikel, it seems, was not injured after all as reports have claimed Chelsea boss Antonio Conte was just looking for an excuse to not play the Nigeria international.

The 29-year-old, who played 25 games in the Premier League last term, is yet to play a single minute under Conte. The former Juventus manager claimed the mid-fielder was ruled out of Chelsea’s Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur after suffering a minor injury but a source close to the footballer has denied it.

Speaking with All Nigeria Soccer, the source revealed Mikel is worried about his condition at the club.

The source revealed:”Mikel is not injured and is bothered why he is not being played by Antonio Conte.”

“The coach was looking for an excuse not to play him.”

There are speculations that the Nigeria star has fallen out of favour with Conte for his decision to play for his country in the summer Olympics instead of taking part in the pre-season with the Blues.

He recently admitted he might quit Stamford Bridge in January if he does not get enough playing time.

Speaking to the BBC, he had said:“I don’t want to make excuses. In the end of the day, I have to keep training hard and trying to change the manager’s mind. If it doesn’t happen, it doesn’t happen.

“I will keep doing my best and ready for when called up upon. We will see what happens in January.”

The source also said the Chelsea ace is weighing up his options and will make a decision soon on his future.

“There are many offers he is studying and he will decide the new club he will join in December,” the source claimed.

He is also linked with a sensational move to Manchester United. Reports claimed United boss Jose Mourinho, who had signed Mikel for the Blues during his first stint with the West London outfit, is keen on a reunion with his former player.