Photo by Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images
Photo by Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images
Moises Caicedo missed Chelsea’s 2-1 loss to Arsenal at the Emirates last weekend because of an injury.
Caicedo was a doubt heading into the game, and in the end, Xabi Alonso decided not to take any risks with the midfielder.
The good news is that Caicedo could be back for Chelsea’s next Premier League match against Hull City. According to BBC Sport, there is hope that Caicedo will be available for that fixture.
However, Alonso needs to be really careful here. The Spaniard has already admitted that Caicedo was rushed back for Chelsea’s 4-3 win over Brighton & Hove Albion, a game he failed to finish.
Romeo Lavia, Reece James, Valentin Barco and Jordan Henderson
Romeo Lavia, Reece James, Valentin Barco and Jordan Henderson
The 24-year-old was brought on as a second-half substitute but had to be taken off injured.
He missed the Blues’ Premier League opener against Fulham altogether and evidently needed to sit out of the Brighton game.
Caicedo is such an important player for this Chelsea side, so it is easy to understand why Alonso was desperate to have him back. His importance became even more evident during Chelsea’s defeat to Arsenal.
With the Ecuadorian sidelined and Enzo Fernandez no longer an option, Alonso went with a midfield of James and Romeo Lavia, who could not cope with Arsenal’s attacking play.
Reece James of Chelsea speaks
Photo by Chelsea Football Club/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Chelsea were sliced open in the middle of the park way too often, which would not have happened with Caicedo on the pitch, or at least not as frequently.
The Ecuador international reads the game very well and is extremely effective at breaking down attacks with his tackling and intercepting ability.
James is more than capable of playing in midfield, but his awareness in that area of the pitch is not always there, and that was the case against Arsenal.
The Chelsea captain was eventually joined by Malo Gusto in the engine room, another right-back. Gusto in midfield is not something Chelsea fans want to see, but Alonso must be cautious and avoid gambling with Caicedo’s fitness again.
Hull City have started the season well, but Chelsea should have enough to beat them at home without Caicedo. With that in mind, the former Brighton man should be given more time to fully recover from whatever injury problem he is currently dealing with.