The 20-year-old Chelsea player was poked in the eye in a clash with Anthony Annan during his country's 2-1 quarter-final defeat against Ghana and was forced to leave the pitch.

Mikel, who replaced Frank Lampard during the second half of the Blues' goalless draw with Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, has revealed for the first time that he feared he had damaged his sight.

"I couldn't see when I went back on the pitch and I had to go off," admitted Mikel.

"When the ball was coming, I couldn't see it properly. I didn't swap shirts with Michael Essien after the game because of the eye injury.

"It was hurting too much to worry about swapping shirts. It's a bit better but it is still a bit painful. At the time it really hurt.

"I thought I'd lost my eyesight when I was lying on the floor but thankfully everything is fine."

Mikel's midfield skills could not provide Chelsea with the goal that would have helped them turn up the heat on leaders Arsenal and second-placed Manchester United.

United were surprisingly beaten at home by derby rivals City before Chelsea began their clash with the Merseysiders.

Coach Avram Grant admitted the game had not been the most entertaining he had ever watched but was happy that Essien and strikers Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou are back in the fold.

Grant's delight was mirrored by captain John Terry who is also back in training.

The England captain insists he will be fit in time for the Carling Cup final on February 24 although Grant has his doubts.

Terry believes that the return of the African players will provide the club with another huge lift at a critical time of the season and their record of 76 unbeaten home league games could also play a big part in determining the outcome of the title race.

He said: "We could have a full squad again soon. A big credit goes to all the players who have kept us in touching distance of the two clubs above us over the last couple of months.

"They've been brilliant and as a result everyone coming back is going to have to fight for their places.

"They're going to be a big boost to the team. It is February and yet again we are still in contention for all four trophies. With the injuries and upheavals we've had this season it's a magnificent effort from all the boys.

"Manchester United and Arsenal have got to play at the Bridge and we cannot forget our record at home."