The Chelsea midfielder recently underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his knee, raising doubts over his participation in this summer's World Cup.

Earlier this week a medical team from the Super Eagles visited his London club to determine the exact timescale for his absence and they have returned with good news, according to Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) media officer, Idah Peterside.

"He will join us on Friday," he told www.kickoffnigeria.com.

"The doctor will officially release him to the team, fit, on that day."

Without Mikel, the west Africans drew their first warm-up match for the finals 0-0 against Saudi Arabia yesterday, but he could feature in their last two games against Colombia and North Korea.