Mikel out of World Cup - update

Sochaux midfielder Brown Ideye has been called up to replace John Mikel Obi, who has been ruled out of the World Cup with an ankle problem


Sochaux midfielder Brown Ideye has been called up to replace John Mikel Obi, who has been ruled out of the World Cup after failing to recover on time from knee surgery.

Super Eagles Media Officer Idah Peterside had earlier said that Mikel had suffered a fresh ankle injury, but the playert himself told KickOffNigeria.com that it was down to his knee.

"It is the same knee and I did not want to risk any further damage, also I think it is in the best interest of the team for me to withdraw rather than waste a slot," Mikel said. "I wish the team goodluck and I know that they will surprise people."

The midfielder had been in contact with the Chelsea medical staff over the past couple of days and the Chelsea doctor had been scheduled to fly out to South Africa on Monday to keep an eye on him.

Peterside told KickOffNigeria.com that coach Lars Lagerback has called up Sochaux forward Brown Ideye as replacement

"The coach has now decided to call up Brown Ideye to replace him."

Mikel had knee surgery last month to repair a torn meniscus and was expected to be out for two weeks.

He was left out of Nigeria's friendly match against Colombia by coach Lars Lagerback, who explained that the move was only precautionary and trained with the rest of the squad on Friday.

But a bruising developed after the session and after speaking with his advisers, club medical staff and Nigeria captain Nwankwo Kanu, Mikel told Lagerback he wanted to withdraw.