Chelsea will remain without Moises Caicedo for their Carabao Cup clash with Leeds United after Xabi Alonso confirmed the midfielder is still not ready to return.
Caicedo has endured a disrupted start to the season, missing Chelsea’s opening two matches against Fulham and Luton before returning from the bench in the dramatic 4-3 victory over Brighton.
However, the Ecuador captain lasted only 14 minutes before being forced off with another physical problem. He subsequently missed Sunday’s 2-1 Premier League defeat against Arsenal.
Alonso has already admitted Chelsea may have brought Caicedo back too quickly against Brighton and is determined not to repeat that mistake.
Alonso refuses to risk Caicedo
Speaking ahead of the Carabao Cup meeting with Leeds, Alonso confirmed Caicedo remains unavailable.
“No. Not yet. Still not ready to go,” Alonso said when asked about the midfielder.
“Not the moment to take a too-early risk. We go game by game with them. It’s too early.”
There is at least some encouragement regarding Chelsea’s next Premier League fixture against Hull City.
Asked whether Caicedo could return for that game, Alonso said: “Potentially, yes. But we need to wait and probably Thursday or Friday we will know more.”
Chelsea will therefore continue taking a cautious approach after Caicedo’s unsuccessful comeback against Brighton.
Colwill returns but Palestra remains sidelined
There was better news regarding Levi Colwill, with Alonso confirming the defender is ready to feature.
Marco Palestra remains unavailable after suffering an injury shortly before Chelsea’s opening game against Fulham.
The summer arrival had impressed during pre-season and Alonso believes he can eventually become an important member of the squad.
“He came with huge energy, huge desire to enjoy his game in the PL,” Alonso said.
“He had a very good pre-season. Right in the days before Fulham, he picked up an injury. We will need him, for sure. He will add a lot of good potential for the team.”
Jordan Henderson and Emmanuel Emegha have also been ruled out against Leeds, leaving Alonso without four first-team options for the cup tie.
Leeds, meanwhile, travel to Stamford Bridge with few injury concerns, although Daniel James faces a late fitness test due to ongoing back and hamstring issues.
Key Points
- Moises Caicedo will miss Chelsea’s Carabao Cup clash with Leeds after suffering a setback on his return against Brighton.
- Xabi Alonso admits Chelsea do not want to risk bringing Caicedo back too early again, although he could potentially return against Hull.
- Levi Colwill is available, but Marco Palestra remains sidelined.
- Jordan Henderson and Emmanuel Emegha will also miss the Leeds match.
What’s Next?
Chelsea will reassess Caicedo later in the week, with Thursday or Friday potentially providing a clearer indication of whether he can face Hull. Alonso’s comments suggest Chelsea will prioritise a complete recovery rather than rush one of their most important midfielders back for a second time.
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