Conte dismisses Mikel exit rumour •Says ‘I’m happy with his workrate’

Chelsea  manager, Antonio Conte, has revealed that he is pleased with John Obi Mikel despite his current situation at the club and has not decided to let the player go

The 29-year-old has not been featured so far this season due to injuries and stern competition for a place in the defensive midfield position.

And the former Italy coach, in his pre-match briefing ahead of Everton’s visit today, cleared the air about speculations on his issue.

“It’s normal in every squad there are players that arrive at the end of their contract and then together with the club take a decision,” Conte told reporters.

“For me the most important thing is that Mikel is working very well now, because in the past he had some injuries. Now he is working very hard and I’m pleased with his workrate.”

Conte also said he had not spoken to Mikel about his future at Chelsea amid growing speculation that the Nigeria international is in his final season at Stamford Bridge.

Mikel admitted in September that he was prepared to talk to interested clubs in January if Chelsea do not offer him an extension to his current contract, which expires at the end of June.

A report on Friday in the London Evening Standard claimed that Chelsea are poised to tell Mikel that he would not be offered an extension, but Conte insists he is yet to address the issue with Mikel.

“Have I spoken to him now? No,” Conte said. “No, but I repeat, now it’s important to be focused on the championship in this period. We are in November. It’s important to be focused on the pitch. Then, we can focus on other situations in time.”