Moisés Caicedo
CHE
CM
Creative Playmaker
Nov 2, 2001 (24)
Right
5'10"
161 lb
ChelseaWill miss cup tie, weekend possible
Caicedo (undisclosed) will miss Wednesday's cup game against Leeds but could be available for the weekend's match against Hull City if he responds well to training later in the week, according to head coach Xabi Alonso, per footbal london. "Not yet. He is not ready to go. It's not the moment to take too early of a risk. We'll go game by game with him, but it's too early. Potentially, yes [Back for Hull], but we will have to wait. Thursday or Friday we will know more.
Analysis: Caicedo could be in contention for Hull City if he responds well to training later in the week, although Xabi Alonso has yet to commit to his involvement. The midfielder will miss the cup tie after the staff judged the risk too high following his aborted return against Brighton, when he managed only 14 minutes before coming off. Chelsea's need for a settled presence in midfield makes his return important, but Alonso's previous admission that he rushed him back should encourage a cautious approach, with his workload likely to be managed if he is cleared to feature.
Won't face long absence
Caicedo (undisclosed) is expected to avoid a significant setback after missing Sunday's derby against Arsenal, but a full diagnosis of the issue has not been released. "It is not long-term but it's about assessing the risk. Probably, last week, we took him too early and I don't want to make the same mistake again", according to coach Xabi Alonso.
Analysis: Caicedo has struggled with a discomfort throughout the first few weeks of the season, logging just 14 minutes of play over three league games. Given that context, his return to the field will likely be managed cautiously as the team already lost Enzo Fernandez in the transfer period and will want to have its most important defensive midfielder in top form later in the campaign. Meanwhile, the versatile Reece James is being deployed alongside Romeo Lavia in the middle of a four-man midfield.
Left out against Arsenal
Caicedo (undisclosed) is not in the squad for Sunday's Premier League clash against Arsenal after failing to recover in time from his recent issue.
Analysis: Caicedo's absence is another setback after he managed only 14 minutes off the bench against Brighton before asking to be withdrawn as a precaution. Chelsea will have to reshape the center of the pitch without one of their most important defensive midfielders, with Romeo Lavia and Reece James starting together in midfield against Arsenal. Lavia should provide the more natural holding presence, while James' versatility allows him to step into midfield and help compensate for Caicedo's absence.
Late fitness call
Caicedo (undisclosed) will have his status checked Saturday after the last team training session before Sunday's clash against Arsenal, according to coach Xabi Alonso, per Football London. "We will check tomorrow. Tomorrow is the last session for the squad on Sunday."
Analysis: Caicedo had asked to come off as a precaution in a recent match against Brighton after feeling discomfort related to his previous injury, with manager Xabi Alonso clarifying it was not a new issue at the time. His return had lasted just 14 minutes off the bench following his earlier absences against Fulham and Luton, and Romeo Lavia, Reece James or Malo Gusto could see increased midfield opportunities if Caicedo is not cleared in time for Arsenal.
Exits with injury after return
Caicedo (undisclosed) asked to come off as a precaution in the 82nd minute of Sunday's clash against Brighton after feeling discomfort related to his previous injury, according to coach Xabi Alonso, per Simon Johnson.
Analysis: Caicedo's return from injury lasted just 14 minutes after entering as a substitute in the 68th minute, but Alonso clarified that the midfielder did not suffer a new injury and requested to come off after feeling something related to his previous issue. The situation is somewhat reassuring after Caicedo had missed Chelsea's previous two matches against Fulham and Luton, though he will be assessed over the coming days to determine whether he faces any additional time on the sidelines. Romeo Lavia, Reece James and Malo Gusto could see increased midfield opportunities if Caicedo isn't cleared for the next match.
Returns to bench against Brighton
Caicedo (undisclosed) is available from the bench for Sunday's clash against Brighton.
Analysis: Caicedo returns to the matchday squad after missing Chelsea's last two matches, against Fulham in the Premier League and Luton in the Carabao Cup, due to a setback suffered in training. The midfielder isn't yet back in the starting XI, with Romeo Lavia retaining his place in central midfield against Brighton. Caicedo's return nevertheless strengthens Chelsea's midfield options, with his ball-winning ability and energy likely to see him work his way back into a prominent role once fully fit.
Hopeful for training, could return Sunday
Caicedo (undisclosed) hasn't yet featured this season due to a training setback ahead of the opening fixture, according to coach Xabi Alonso. "He is hopefully training [on Friday] and we are hopeful that he can be involved [against Brighton]. But we need to check. No decision has been made."
Analysis: Caicedo has now missed two consecutive matches, first against Fulham and then the Carabao Cup tie against Luton, with the absence appearing precautionary in nature. He remains a key part of manager Alonso's midfield plans, and his potential return to training Friday would be a significant step toward being available for Sunday's clash against the Seagulls. If he can't make the squad Sunday, Romeo Lavia will likely see more playing time in the engine room again.
Out Thursday, eyes Sunday return
Caicedo (undisclosed) will remain unavailable for Thursday's Carabao Cup clash against Luton due to a fitness issue but could return Sunday against Brighton, according to coach Xabi Alonso, per Peter Rutzler.
Analysis: Caicedo will miss a second consecutive match after the minor setback suffered in training also ruled him out against Fulham. The midfielder's absence Thursday appears precautionary, with Chelsea hopeful he can recover in time for Sunday's Premier League clash against Brighton. Caicedo remains a key part of manager Xabi Alonso's midfield and should return to contention for a starting role once fully fit.
Out opening day
Caicedo is out for Monday's match against Fulham due to a fitness issue in training, according to manager Xabi Alonso. "They had minor setbacks during the week, so they were not fit to play tonight."
Analysis: Caicedo is at the stadium with Chelsea on Monday, but is not in the team sheet, signifying the midfielder is likely dealing with some sort of fitness issue. This is a major loss for the team, as the Ecuadorian has only missed a handful of games since joining the club, a regular in the midfield for them. The good news it is only a training injury he picked up, likely to make a quick turnaround after only a minor setback.
Plays first preseason minutes
Caicedo played his first preseason minutes for Chelsea in Wednesday's friendly against Juventus, the club announced.
Analysis: Caicedo comes into the new season as the undisputed engine of Chelsea's midfield after another strong campaign, starting 32 Premier League matches while piling up three goals, 87 tackles and 59 interceptions, a tireless defensive presence who has also grown more comfortable pushing forward into attack. Ecuador's round of 32 exit at the World Cup means he is back with the group at a reasonably early stage of preseason under coach Xabi Alonso, and he's set to remain a fixture in the lineup once the campaign kicks off. Caicedo is expected to keep sharpening his match fitness as preseason continues.
Joins Chelsea's tour in Sydney
Caicedo has joined Chelsea's squad in Sydney for the club's preseason tour, according to the club.
Analysis: Caicedo captained Ecuador at the World Cup, finishing the tournament with four shots and nine chances created going forward while contributing nine tackles, four interceptions, four clearances and one block defensively across four matches before elimination in the round of 32 against co-hosts Mexico. After a short break following the tournament, his arrival in Sydney now shifts the focus to preseason preparations under new coach Xabi Alonso as Chelsea's tour continues.
Mixed display in elimination
Caicedo registered one shot (zero on goal), six crosses (zero accurate) and three corners in Tuesday's 2-0 defeat against Mexico. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 99th minute.
Analysis: Caicedo was Ecuador's set piece taker in the first half and registered his highest cross tally of the tournament with six, but could not find a teammate with any of them. He kept trying to unlock Mexico's defence with long balls into the opposition half and created a big chance that Kevin Rodriguez was unable to convert. His one tackle of the night was a last man challenge that stopped a counter attack and prevented the scoreline from getting worse, a crucial intervention in what was a balanced display from the Chelsea midfielder. It was not enough to avoid elimination however, and he ends the tournament with four shots and nine chances created going forward while contributing nine tackles, four interceptions, four clearances and one block defensively across four games.
Plays all 90 minutes
Caicedo generated one shot (zero on goal), one cross (one accurate) and one chance created in Thursday's 2-1 win against Germany.
Analysis: Caicedo closed out his final group stage match Thursday with an 89 percent pass accuracy, 13 passes into the final third, four tackles, and four duels won, reinforcing how central he is to Ecuador's midfield structure. The Chelsea midfielder has been a steady two‑way presence throughout the tournament, consistently influencing play on both ends of the pitch and showcasing exceptional distribution, highlighted by his sustained 89 percent pass accuracy and more than 200 accurate passes completed overall.
Five crosses in 0-0 draw
Caicedo generated one shot (one on goal), five crosses (three accurate) and two corners in Saturday's 0-0 draw against Curacao.
Analysis: Caicedo played 90 minutes for the second game of the World Cup as Ecuador drew 0-0 with Curacao to pick up their first point. He will be looking to lead them to the next round with a victory against Germany in teh final group game. He created four chances in this game, bringing his total to seven chances created for the tournament. He completed three of his five crosses and also completed 100 passes to show the dominance that his Ecuador side had over their opponents.
Creative effort in loss
Caicedo registered one shot (zero on goal), four crosses (two accurate) and three corners in Sunday's 1-0 defeat versus Cote D'ivoire.
Analysis: Caicedo contributed from midfield on the defensive end with a couple of tackles and interceptions, coming close to a clean sheet before Amad Diallo scored a 90th-minute winner. Going forward, he left his mark from midfield through set pieces and throughout the match, though his efforts did not result in a direct contribution. Caicedo is a crucial figure for Ecuador and his creative upside from midfield should have more room to show in their next match against Curacao, who lost 7-1 to Germany in their opener and are the smallest country to ever qualify for the World Cup.
Solid option in holding midfield
Caicedo should see significant action in the upcoming World Cup given his status as one of Ecuador's most well-rounded assets.
Analysis: Caicedo will once again anchor Ecuador's midfield after another strong campaign in the English Premier League. The central man provides value through ball recoveries, tackles and possession retention rather than direct goal contributions, but he can occasionally push forward to support in playmaking tasks. His ability to disrupt opposing attacks while keeping the ball moving efficiently is a major reason Ecuador has become such a difficult team to break down. While he's unlikely to score or assist frequently, his balanced workload and defensive production remain attractive in deeper fantasy formats.
Signs new contract
Caicedo has inked a new contract with Chelsea, according to his club.
Analysis: Caicedo is going to remain a part of the Blues for the next few seasons, as the midfielder is inking a new deal until 2033. This is a major mark for the Ecuadorian, as it is clear he is a part of the club's future, continuing their trend of locking up young talent for numerous years. He has been a starter since transferring to the club from Brighton in the 2023/24 season, notching five goals and six assists in 100 appearances.
Scores decisive goal
Caicedo scored one goal to go with four shots (four on goal), two crosses (zero accurate) and three chances created in Wednesday's 1-0 victory against Pafos.
Analysis: Caicedo delivered a strong offensive performance against Pafos on Wednesday, scoring a header after a defender's deflection on a corner from Pedro Neto. He also posted a season-high four shots while creating three key passes. The midfielder remains a key figure for his side, constantly on the move and capable of pushing forward when needed, as reflected in his Champions League numbers this season with two goals, eight chances created, 19 tackles and seven interceptions across seven appearances.
Available again
Caicedo is an option for the midweek visit to Fulham after serving his suspension.
Analysis: Caicedo missed the weekend's draw with Manchester City after he picked up his fifth yellow card of the season during his last appearance against Bournemouth. Reece James took his spot in defensive midfield for that game, but the change is likely to be reversed with the Ecuadorian likely returning to the starting lineup for upcoming matchups.
Set for suspension
Caicedo is set for a one-match ban due to yellow card accumulation.
Analysis: Caicedo is going to be suspended for the weekend and the club's upcoming game, as he has suffered a fifth yellow card of the season after receiving one for a third straight match. This will leave him out to face Manchester City on Sunday, forcing the club to be without a regular starter. Reece James is likely to enter the starting XI in his role to face City while Caicedo waits upon his return when facing Fulham on Jan. 7.
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