Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
It was just 14 minutes after Moises Caicedo had been subbed on by Xabi Alonso that the midfielder was forced to come off. A huge blow for Chelsea, and Alonso has delivered an update.
Chelsea secured a 4-3 win over Caicedo’s former side Brighton on Sunday, as the likes of Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer and Emi Martinez starred. The latter was only announced on Sunday, yet he started in goal.
Alonso made his first changes on 68 minutes, adding Josh Acheampong and Reece James into the game after both players were given a rest following starts against Fulham and Luton Town earlier this week.
Caicedo joined James and Acheampong in coming on. It was Caicedo’s first appearance of the season, having missed Fulham and Luton. 14 minutes later, the Ecuadorian star was replaced by Valentin Barco.
Xabi Alonso delivers Moises Caicedo update after Brighton win
Every Premier League fan will know just how important Caicedo is to this side, and while additions like Martinez, Morgan Rogers and Maxence Lacroix make Chelsea contenders, losing Caicedo ends that.
If there is a title challenge to be had, Caicedo must remain fit. In his post-match press conference, Alonso was asked about Caicedo, and the Chelsea manager said that the midfielder was not “feeling the best”.
Chelsea FC v Brighton & Hove Albion - Premier League 2026/27
Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
As reported by BBC Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella, Alonso responded by saying: “We hope it is not new and not more than last time. He was cautious to stop; his feeling was not the best, but we have to assess.”
With a week until Chelsea’s next game against Arsenal, Caicedo will have at least a bit of breathing space before being assessed for the clash at The Emirates. If not, Reece James is likely to start with Romeo Lavia.