Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images
Chelsea have endured a difficult few weeks on the pitch and in the opinion of many, the absence of Moises Caicedo has been a major cause. But finally, some good news.
The loss against Arsenal, conceding three against Leeds United, failing to get past Hull City and then the shell shock received at Brentford – Chelsea are struggling to defend and Caicedo’s injury is a big cause.
Without their defensive midfield screen, Chelsea’s defence has been left exposed. Without Caicedo, the Blues are struggling to keep the goals out. He has been back in training, but is yet to make his return.
Ecuador name Chelsea squad, Moises Caicedo left out
Clearly, Chelsea have been on the phone to new Ecuador manager Marcelo Gallardo. The former River Plate manager, who didn’t used Kendry Paez much during his loan, has not included Caicedo in his squad.
Romeo Lavia, Reece James, Valentin Barco and Jordan Henderson
Romeo Lavia, Reece James, Valentin Barco and Jordan Henderson
It is good news for Chelsea and Alonso, who now have the international break to help Caicedo return to fitness. Chelsea’s next game is on October 10 against Bournemouth, giving Caicedo time to get fit again.
The last thing Alonso wants to do is to rush Caicedo back. The midfielder came on against his old side Brighton during the 4-3 Chelsea win, only to be subbed off 14 minutes later – worsening the injury.
Which other Chelsea players have been called up?
Joao Pedro, Jordan Henderson and Reece James have also been left out of the Brazil and England squads with doubts over their fitness. Henderson did return to action at Brentford – but had been out for months.
Pedro was called up, but then withdrew despite missing the World Cup with Brazil. Malo Gusto did not get the call, but Maxence Lacroix did, in Zinedine Zidane’s first squad as Didier Deschamps’ replacement.
Emi Martinez, Valentin Barco, Mike Penders, Romeo Lavia, Estevao, Cole Palmer, Jorrel Hato, Pedro Neto, Jamie Gittens and many more Chelsea players will be active during the international break this month.