Chelsea
Moises Caicedo will face a late fitness test before Chelsea travel to Arsenal this weekend. The Chelsea player went off hurt against Brighton last weekend, sparking fresh injury news before a big Premier League game. Xabi Alonso says he will wait until Saturday training before he makes his final call on the player.
Moises Caicedo injury doubt ahead of Arsenal trip
As reported by Chelsea’s official site, Caicedo lasted just 13 minutes off the bench before he had to leave the pitch early with clear discomfort. Alonso described it as an issue that“wasn’t something new.”Alonso addressed it this week in front of reporters, saying the club would check on the player again before naming his squad.
“We need to not worry, these things happen,”Alonso said in his press conference. “Tomorrow, we will take the final decision,” he added when asked directly about Caicedo. Those words also hint that Chelsea already have backup plans ready if Caicedo cannot start against Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.
Caicedo’s stats for the 2025-26 season at Chelsea, as per FOTMOB:
Competitions Matches Goals Assists Chances created Defensive contributions Duels Won%
Premier League 33 3 1 18 366 55.7%
FA Cup 4 0 0 6 16 64.3%
EFL Cup 3 0 0 5 13 84.2%
UCL 10 2 0 9 48 55.4%
Alonso backs his squad after transfer window frustration
The collapsed deadline-day move for Monaco’s Lamine Camara drew attention in the days before the window closed, but it has since been overtaken by events. Fernandez, one of Chelsea’s marquee signings of the past two years, left for Manchester City on transfer deadline day. Asked about the departure, Alonso said decisions at the club are made collectively, and while Fernandez gave the club “wonderful”service, it was time to move forward.
To cover the gap, Chelsea brought in Valentin Barco and veteran Jordan Henderson over the summer. Alonso framed the pair as complementary rather than like-for-like replacements. Barco brings energy, Henderson brings composure and game management. He also named Reece James, Malo Gusto, and academy players Reggie Watson and Mehdi Nikol Gazouli as further midfield options if Caicedo isn’t fit. Taken as a whole, Alonso called the transfer window a success, saying the club had achieved plenty from the groundwork laid back in May and June.
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Tactical view ahead of the Arsenal test
Chelsea have taken maximum points from both league games so far this new season, a solid early return for a new coach still building his ideal system. Arsenal have also made a strong start and will test any side that tries to sit deep against them. Chelsea have kept one clean sheet in two games too, a clear sign of growing order at the back as Alonso adapts to English football. If Moises Caicedo plays this weekend, his tackling and calm passing should help Chelsea control the busy middle of the pitch. If he isn’t fit, Alonso may need to shift his shape or hand more minutes to a younger midfield option.
Chelsea often press high and try to win the ball back fast near the box, a style that needs fresh legs in midfield, which is why the fitness test on Caicedo matters so much. Arsenal like to keep the ball and build attacks slowly, so Chelsea may need real patience without him. With both sides still unbeaten, the outcome could shape the early Premier League table. Alonso will confirm his squad after Saturday’s training session.
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