M. Caicedo
Center Midfielder
Deep-Lying Playmaker
Nov 2, 2001 (24)
Right
5'10"
161 lb
Substituted due to fatigue
Caicedo was substituted late in Saturday's 2-0 Premier League victory over Everton due to tiredness rather than a new injury concern, according to coach Xabi Alonso, per Roundtable. "For Moi, it was his second game. He was a bit tired."
Analysis: Caicedo was withdrawn during the closing stages of Saturday's 2-0 victory over Everton as Chelsea continued to manage his workload following his recent return to action. The Ecuadorian midfielder made his second consecutive appearance after recovering from a calf injury and delivered another solid performance in the center of the pitch, recording one shot, one chance created and 58 passes. He also completed six passes into the final third and five line-breaking passes while winning 50 percent of his ground duels and one aerial duel. Caicedo came close to scoring with a powerful first-half effort that struck the woodwork, although his attacking contributions remained limited overall. Coach Alonso's comments suggest his substitution was precautionary rather than injury-related, and with Chelsea having a full week to prepare for Saturday's clash against Tottenham, Caicedo should have sufficient time to recover and remain in contention for his usual starting role.
Creates one chance in victory
Caicedo registered one shot (zero on goal) and one chance created in Saturday's 2-0 victory over Everton.
Analysis: Caicedo wasn't the man of the hour as the midfielder only managed a one-off-target shot and created one chance against Everton. He offered limited attacking output, but his deeper position helped him make the joint-most passes in the game (58). The Ecuadorian also won 50 per cent of the ground duels faced and one aerial duel. Furthermore, he made six passes into the final third and five line-breaking passes.
Completes first start of season
Caicedo had one shot (zero on goal) in Saturday's 5-1 victory against AFC Bournemouth.
Analysis: Caicedo recorded two interceptions and one off-target shot across 72 minutes during his first start of the season in Saturday's 5-1 victory. His most notable moment came at the wrong end when he tried to clear a loose ball following a Bournemouth corner, only for the clearance to strike Evanilson and ricochet into the net for the visitors' lone goal. Caicedo was withdrawn alongside Joao Pedro as Chelsea managed the minutes of two players who had worked back toward full fitness during the international break.
Starting in return
Caicedo (calf) is in the starting XI for Saturday's match against Bournemouth.
Analysis: Caicedo makes his first Premier League start of the campaign after recovering from a calf injury that limited him to 14 minutes of league action. The midfielder featured in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Portsmouth and returned to full team training during the international break. His return to the lineup could reduce Romeo Lavia's playing time after Lavia helped cover midfield during his absence.
Cleared to face Bournemouth
Caicedo (calf) is available for Saturday's Premier League clash against Bournemouth after returning to full training during the international break, according to coach Xabi Alonso. "Yes, he is ready to go. We have used the time with Moi to get him back fit. He has been training well and he is okay to go."
Analysis: Caicedo has completed his recovery from the calf injury that has limited him to just 14 minutes of Premier League action this season. The midfielder recently featured in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Portsmouth before returning to full team training during the international break. Manager Xabi Alonso has now confirmed that Caicedo is fully available, putting him in contention for his first league start of the campaign against Bournemouth. His return could reduce Romeo Lavia's playing time after the latter helped cover midfield during his absence.
Plays in behind-closed-doors friendly
Caicedo (calf) played in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Portsmouth during the international break as he continues to work on his recovery, according to Kieran Gill of The Daily Mail.
Analysis: Caicedo "played a part" in the first half of that friendly, which resulted in a 2-0 loss to the Championship side, and it marked another positive step in the midfielder's recovery. Caicedo has been limited to just 14 minutes of EPL action this season, but a final call on his status will probably be made by manager Xabi Alonso in his pre-match presser before Saturday's contest against Bournemouth. Romeo Lavia should continue to see an expanded role in midfield if Caicedo isn't fit to return, or start, Saturday against the Cherries.
Working hard in recovery
Caicedo (calf) has been working hard on his recovery during the international break, but it remains to be seen whether he'll be available to face Bournemouth on Saturday, according to Bobby Vincent of Football.London.
Analysis: Caicedo has been limited to just 14 minutes of action in the 2026/27 season across all competitions, and he didn't play with Ecuador during the international break to overcome the calf issue that has been bothering him for quite some time. A final update on Caicedo's availability should come closer to the weekend, presumably during Xabi Alonso's pre-match press conference, but Chelsea could use his presence back in the middle of the park.
Continues to miss training
Caicedo (calf) has yet to resume practice while Chelsea prepare for the next stretch of the season during the international break, Arthur Ferridge of The Standard reports.
Analysis: Caicedo was not called up by the Ecuadorian national team to prioritize his recovery from the issue that has sidelined him for all of September. While the key midfielder fails to make a return to training sessions, players such as Romeo Lavia, Valentin Barco and Jordan Henderson may see increased chances of appearing in the double pivot. However, Caicedo will regain a major role whenever he's fit again given his status as a reliable all-around contributor.
Not called up by Ecuador
Caicedo (calf) has not been called up by Ecuador for the international break.
Analysis: Caicedo will continue on the sidelines through the international break as he works on recovering from a calf injury. That means the earliest we will see him back in action is when Chelsea resumes play after the break, facing Bournemouth on Oct. 10. He has still only appeared once for Chelsea all season, missing out on four of their five outings.
Out another match
Caicedo (calf) is out for Friday's match against Brentford.
Analysis: Caicedo will not return ahead of the international break and will instead remain sidelined, with the midfielder still struggling with a calf injury. The good news is that he should use the break to heal fully after just being considered a late call. It will mark a third match missed in a row for the Ecuadorian, leaving Chelsea without an important piece of their midfield.
Late call against Brentford
Caicedo (calf) could return for Friday's clash against Brentford, with a final decision on his availability expected ahead of the match, according to coach Xabi Alonso, per Football London. "He's getting closer and tomorrow we will make the final decision"
Analysis: Caicedo has missed Chelsea's last two Premier League matches due to the calf injury but is now moving closer to a return. His availability will be determined by a final assessment ahead of Friday's match, though Chelsea is unlikely to take unnecessary risks with the midfielder. Romeo Lavia and Reece James should remain the main options in central midfield if Caicedo isn't cleared to return.
Still not training Tuesday
Caicedo (calf) is still not training Tuesday and remains a doubt for Friday's clash against Brentford, according to James Savundra of Sky Sports News.
Analysis: Caicedo had missed the last two Premier League games due to a calf injury, with coach Xabi Alonso having expressed hope at the time that Caicedo could return against Brentford, though the midfielder still has to resume team training with the Bleus. Romeo Lavia and Reece James have continued to start in central midfield during his absence, and Chelsea continues to manage his recovery cautiously rather than rush him back into action.
Ruled out against Hull
Caicedo (undisclosed) will not be available for Saturday's Premier League clash against Hull City, though Chelsea are hopeful he can return against Brentford, according to coach Xabi Alonso, per Simon Johnson.
Analysis: Caicedo had initially been considered a possibility for Saturday after missing the cup clash against Leeds, but Chelsea have opted to give him additional time to recover following his aborted return against Brighton. manager Xabi Alonso is hopeful the midfielder can return against Brentford next week, though that remains a target rather than a confirmed return date. Romeo Lavia and Reece James are expected to start in central midfield against Hull in Caicedo's absence, with Chelsea continuing to manage the latter's recovery cautiously rather than rushing him back into action.
Will 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.
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