Xabi Alonso has revealed Moises Caicedo is nearing a return to the Chelsea side ahead of Friday’s Premier League trip to Brentford. The head coach would not confirm the midfielder’s participation, adding that selection would only be finalised following the final training session.
Caicedo has played just 14 minutes of league football this season after being substituted in apparent distress shortly after his introduction during the 4-3 win over Brighton on 30 August. The 24-year-old joined Chelsea for a British record fee of £115m in 2023 but has missed three of Chelsea’s league games this term.
When asked directly if the Ecuadorian would be making the trip across west London, Alonso said:
“He is getting closer and tomorrow we will take the final decision in the team and in the squad that is coming to Brentford.”
His assessment of Caicedo’s importance, however, was far less circumspect and amounted to a clear endorsement of the midfielder’s standing within the squad. Alonso said:
“Moises is one of the top midfielders in the world. And for sure anything with him in the middle is a better team and we are aware of that. But at this moment we will see tomorrow.
“He has not been able to play so we have had to cope with that situation and when he will play, we will benefit from his qualities, his balance, his presence. I think that he is very inspirational for the players and they are looking forward to it.”
It’s obviously a big endorsement, given Chelsea’s structural problems without him. Alonso has changed shape and shape again in the opening weeks as he searches for a more solid platform in front of his defence.
How Caicedo’s Return Would Restore Balance to Chelsea’s Midfield
The statistical argument in Caicedo’s favour is hard to oppose. Chelsea made just 10 tackles to Hull’s 17, with a tackle success rate of 30% compared to Hull at 53%.
That lack of first contact helps explain a serious anomaly from that same afternoon. Chelsea were outplayed 1.49 to 0.89 on xG despite having 68% possession and 72 final-third entries, with Hull creating four big chances from a deep 5-4-1 block. Alonso’s side have been repeatedly exposed to transition despite their territorial supremacy.
Alonso would have more space to operate in his double pivot with Caicedo. Chelsea’s upcoming game is going to require midfield resistance, and Brentford arrive at the match on the back of an unbeaten run of six games in all competitions.