John Obi Mikel will have to wait to make his first competitive appearance for Chelsea in the new season as he has been omitted from their 18-man squad for the Football League Cup Third round clash against Leicester City.
The Nigeria skipper had a chance to impress new boss Antonio Conte at pre-season training but chose to represent the Dream Team VI at the Olympic Games, and it now appears that he has been frozen out of the team upon his return to Stamford Bridge.
On the other hand, international teammate Victor Moses is in the good books of the Italian manager and has been involved in every single game for the London club this term, including tonight’s contest at the King Power Stadium.
Moses starts in attack alongside Pedro, Loftus-Cheek and Batshuayi, while England youth international Ola Aina is among the substitutes.
Super Eagles assistant skipper Ahmed Musa starts his first game for Leicester City since their Premier League opener on August 13 against Hull City.
Chelsea Starting XI : Begovic, Azpilicueta, Cahill (c), David Luiz, Alonso, Moses, Fabregas, Matic, Pedro, Loftus-Cheek, Batshuayi.
Chelsea Substitutes : Courtois, Aina, Chalobah, Kante, Willian, Hazard, Diego Costa.
Leicester City Starting XI : Zieler, Simpson, Morgan (c), Wasilewski, Chilwell, Gray, King, Drinkwater, Schlupp, Okazaki, Musa.
Leicester City Substitutes : Hamer, Benalouane, Amartey, Kapustka, Mahrez, Vardy, Ulloa.
credit: allnigeriasoccer
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