Mikel facing ban after drink-drive charge

John Obi Mikel has been charged with suspected drink-driving, hours before Chelsea's FA Cup match against Ipswich. The 21-year-old was stopped by police at 5.30am GMT on Saturday, after being seen driving his Range Rover "erratically" near his club's ground in London's Fulham Road. Later the same day, Chelsea beat Ipswich 3-1 in the fourth round - although Mikel was not part of the squad.

The Nigerian midfielder has since been charged and will appear in court on April 3. He faces a year's driving ban or a jail term if the offence is deemed exceptionally serious. A Chelsea spokesman told The Sun: "We are aware (Mikel) was arrested and charged. We want to establish the facts before we comment." *PA Sport