Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti may rush back John Obi Mikel for Sunday's clash with Arsenal.

Mikel was away from Stamford Bridge for a month with Nigeria and has only this week resumed training with the rest of the squad.

Chelsea have struggled at the back at times during Mikel's absence, with Juliano Belletti, Michael Ballack and Deco all used at times as makeshift holding midfield players.

And Ancelotti is deciding whether the back four needs extra protection at Stamford Bridge from the rampaging runs of Andrey Arshavin, Abou Diaby and, in particular, Cesc Fabregas.