On Friday, Enzo Maresca gave updates on Moises Caicedo, Joao Pedro, Estevao Willian and a few other players ahead of Chelsea’s trip to Brentford.
Caicedo, Pedro, Estevao and Andrey Santos had to travel far over the international break to play in the South American World Cup qualifiers.
Caicedo was sent off in Ecuador’s victory over Argentina and will miss his nation’s first game of the 2026 World Cup.
However, one match he is almost certain to play in is Chelsea‘s west London derby against Brentford.
Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo raising arm
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Moises Caicedo trained on Friday following concerning update
At one stage, it looked like Caicedo was a bit of a doubt for Chelsea’s trip to the Gtech Community Stadium.
When Maresca spoke to the press and Chelsea’s official club website on Friday, the 45-year-old revealed that he did not see Caicedo on Thursday after his late return from international duty. He also shared that his three Brazil internationals had only done a recovery session.
However, since then, Chelsea’s website has posted a picture of Caicedo in training, so the Ecuadorian should be available for Saturday night’s west London derby.
After that, the Blues have a huge game in the Champions League, which will see them cross paths with Nicolas Jackson.
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Maresca could be tempted to rest Caicedo and a few others ahead of that match. The Chelsea manager will not be able to rotate Caicedo with Dario Essugo, though, following the youngster’s recent injury.
Estevao Willian and Moises Caicedo during a Chelsea training session at Cobham.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Moises Caicedo likely to start against Brentford after Romeo Lavia blow
Maresca will not be able to replace Caicedo with Romeo Lavia either.
Lavia has been in Chelsea training, but Maresca has confirmed that both the midfielder and Benoit Badiashile will miss the Blues’ next Premier League game. It means Caicedo will probably have to start in the middle of the park alongside Enzo Fernandez.
Chelsea are just two points behind Liverpool, who play on Sunday. If the Club World Cup winners beat Brentford, they can move to the top of the Premier League table.