Mikel captained the Nigeria U-23 team, 'The Dream Team', to bronze medals at the games in August.

Since the tournament, the 29-year-old has found himself becoming a mainstay on the sidelines at Chelsea under new manager Antonio Conte. He has not made a single appearance for the Blues yet this season.

"There is a reason why Mikel is not playing for Chelsea right now and that reason is because he played for Nigeria at the Olympics," said Rohr.

The 63-year-old German went on to say Mikel will remain integral to his team despite his struggles at Chelsea and the corresponding concerns of match fitness.

Mikel will thus play in Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Algeria.

"I cannot punish a player who loves his country and shows that he loves the green jersey,» Rohr said.

"He is here with us and he is fit and I hope he can play for 90 minutes against Algeria but if it is not possible, we shall see."

The Super Eagles opened the qualifiers with an away win against Zambia, a result that put them at the top of the table as competitors Algeria and Cameroon played out a draw in Algiers.

Meanwhile, Chelsea manager Antonio Conte made a comment on Mikel has last week

"Mikel is working very well now," he said.

"In the past he's sometimes had some injuries. But now he's working very hard, and I'm pleased with his work-rate."