Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has made it clear that he will not risk Moises Caicedo again.
Caicedo was brought back too early for Chelsea’s 4-3 victory over his former club Brighton & Hove Albion and injured himself.
As a result, Caicedo missed Chelsea’s 2-1 defeat to Arsenal and was also absent for the thriller against Leeds United in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.
With that in mind, if the Ecuadorian does not make the matchday squad for Chelsea vs Hull City, what midfield pairing should Alonso go with?
Romeo Lavia, Reece James, Valentin Barco and Jordan Henderson
Romeo Lavia, Reece James, Valentin Barco and Jordan Henderson
Xabi Alonso should start Romeo Lavia and Valentin Barco in Chelsea vs Hull
After being rested midweek, Romeo Lavia is a shoo-in to start at Stamford Bridge this weekend. Aside from Valentin Barco, he is the only fit natural midfielder at Chelsea right now.
Although he had to be taken off after the hour mark, Lavia looked fit against Arsenal, perhaps the fittest he has been since arriving at Chelsea. The Belgian and Barco could form an effective double pivot.
Lavia is great on the ball, while Barco has a lot of energy and aggressiveness. The Argentine has needle; he is not afraid to make a tackle. That is probably what Chelsea were lacking in their London derby against Arsenal.
As well as that, Barco is also quite technical like Lavia. The former Strasbourg man can execute the right pass, which he did on several occasions against Leeds.
Valentin Barco of Chelsea
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
Reece James did not become a bad midfielder overnight. But the reality is he did struggle against Arsenal and it is not his natural position.
It would be harsh to drop Barco after his latest outing, though you still want James somewhere in the team.
In an ideal world, Caicedo is available for selection. He is Chelsea’s best midfielder and by some distance. But if not, Barco deserves a shot.
If the Argentina international is not going to get a start against Hull while Caicedo is out, when will he be named in the first XI for a Premier League match?