Mikel Jon Obi has struggled with to establish himself at Chelsea

The Nigerian started his first Champions League match for Chelsea against Werder Bremen on Wednesday, as his side qualified for the knockout stages despite losing 1-0.

Mourinho has had concerns over Obi's poor timekeeping and his life off the field and he axed the 19-year-old from his squad for over a month.

Obi responded with a full apology and a promise to mend his ways.

"At least he is never late now. I think he has realised what he has to do," Mourinho said.

"But my doubt now is if he realises that for the next month or for the rest of his career.

"That's my doubt. I have to wait and see. But at this moment, his reaction has been positive.

"He is training well and hard. He is arriving on time and trains - he is not walking on the pitch.

"I think he is going in the right direction. Now he's got to stay doing that because when he does so I want to help him.

"I want to help him in his career because he has a lot of potential.

"But now we have to wait a little bit to see if it is a permanent change or just a change because he was punished.

"He was out of the team for a month but has now been involved in consecutive matches.

"You have to give players chances in relation to what they do on the pitch and if they are not trying or not performing or behaving, they have to feel it.

"The best way to feel it is for them to sit on the bench, in the stands or at home."