Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has hinted that he may leave the club when the transfer window reopens in January.

What's the story?

The midfielder has been at the club for the past 10 years, but he has barely been seen this season under manager Antonio Conte.

Mikel is yet to feature and there are no indications that he will be breaking into the Blues' midfield any time soon, particularly now that Conte has adopted a 3-4-3 system at Stamford Bridge.

Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr has had his say on Mikel's exile, stating that the player is being punished for playing in the 2016 Olympics.

Whatever the reason, it has prompted the midfielder to consider his future, telling BBC Sport: "I will keep doing my best and ready for when called up upon. We will see what happens in January.

"I have never been a guy who made excuses in life, I never shy away from my responsibilities.

"I have to keep training hard and make sure I change the manager's mind. I have been professional, I train and work everyday with the team and I hope one day I will get to play."

John Obi Mikel (Chelsea)

Is now the right time to leave?

In short, yes. Mikel is highly unlikely to win back a spot in the team under Conte, and even though at 29 he still has plenty to provide, he is not going to push out the players above him in the pecking order.

The midfielder may have felt a tinge of hope when Victor Moses was brought out from the cold this season, but the 25-year-old's style means that he has slotted in well as a wing-back.

Mikel may have been forgotten this season, but he is the second longest-serving player behind captain John Terry, and has won two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, the Champions League and Europa League since his 2006 arrival.

Having said that, the midfielder's influence on the pitch has dwindled and arguably it would be best for him to move on before he becomes a burden on the club.

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