Chelsea face Moises Caicedo injury wait before Arsenal clash

Chelsea are waiting to discover whether Moises Caicedo will be fit to face Arsenal, with Xabi Alonso confirming a final decision will be made after Saturday’s training session.

The midfielder has endured a frustrating start to the new season after missing Chelsea’s opening two matches against Fulham and Luton.

He returned to action as a substitute against Brighton last weekend, but his comeback lasted only 14 minutes before another injury concern forced him off.

Chelsea went on to secure a dramatic 4-3 victory, although Caicedo’s fitness immediately became a concern ahead of Sunday’s trip to the Emirates Stadium.

Speaking after the Brighton game, Alonso revealed that Caicedo had made the decision to stop after feeling discomfort.

“Hopefully it’s not new, and it wasn’t more than last time,” Alonso said.

“He was cautious to stop, to say that his feeling was not the best. We need to assess during the week that it wasn’t something else.”

Chelsea have therefore been monitoring the Ecuador international throughout the week rather than immediately ruling him out of the Arsenal fixture.

Alonso has now confirmed that Saturday’s final training session will determine whether Caicedo can be involved at the Emirates.

“We will check tomorrow,” the Chelsea manager said. “Tomorrow is the last [training] session for the squad on Sunday.”

His availability would be significant for Chelsea as they prepare to face the defending Premier League champions away from home.

Caicedo’s ability to provide defensive protection and control in midfield could be particularly important against Mikel Arteta’s side.

The fact Caicedo lasted only 14 minutes on his return means Chelsea will have to carefully assess whether another immediate comeback is worth the risk.

Alonso’s comments suggest the midfielder has not yet been ruled out, but his participation remains uncertain heading into the final training session.

Chelsea will therefore have to prepare for both possibilities, with Alonso potentially needing to reshape his midfield if Caicedo fails his late fitness test.

Chelsea will assess Caicedo during their final training session on Saturday before Alonso makes a decision on his availability.

If he is cleared to play, the Ecuadorian could provide an important midfield boost for the London derby. If not, Alonso will have to find another solution for one of Chelsea’s biggest tests of the early season.