José Caicedo
POT
Center Midfielder
Deep-Lying Playmaker
May 23, 2002 (24)
Right
5'10"
Available again
Caicedo (thigh) is an option for MLS play going forward after leaving his injury behind, Jeremy Peterman of Cascadia FC reports.
Analysis: Caicedo could see limited minutes in his return to action following a one-month absence, but his availability is great news for a Portland midfield that has struggled without him. Once he has regained full match fitness, he'll look to take a starting role back from veteran Diego Chara. Prior to the injury, Caicedo was averaging 40.1 accurate passes, 4.5 ball recoveries and 1.8 tackles per game in league play.
Back in full speed drills
Caicedo (thigh) took part in full-speed drills Wednesday, with coach Marti Cifuentes saying, per Jeremy Peterman. "He is taking steps in the right direction,"
Analysis: Caicedo has missed four matches since being forced off in the first half against Minnesota United in early September but is now back in full-speed drills and in line to return Saturday at Sporting Kansas City. He started the four matches he was available for before the injury and has been an important midfield option when fit, so his return could push Diego Chara into more of a rotational role. Still, Caicedo has gone about a month without match minutes, so his workload could be managed as he works his way back into the lineup.
Yet to resume full training
Caicedo (thigh) has yet to resume full training, according to Timbers beat writer Adam Susman.
Analysis: Caicedo has been progressing in his recovery from a nagging hamstring injury, but he was doing drills on the side and not with the rest of the team -- that doesn't bode well for his chances of playing this weekend against San Jose. It wouldn't be shocking if Caicedo uses the international break to fully recover, and that would line him up to play against Sporting KC on Oct. 10 once the league resumes.
Progressing in recovery
Caicedo (thigh) remains out but could be "on his way back" after Saturday's visit to Dallas, coach Marti Cifuentes said Friday, according to Jeremy Peterman of Cascadia FC.
Analysis: Caicedo may not require a very long recovery period while he continues to deal with a muscular problem, though he's not yet 100 percent fit for the time being. The holding midfielder served as an important defensive presence while racking up passing numbers over a string of four league starts before getting hurt, and he should have solid chances of regaining a starting spot from Joao Ortiz once he's fully fit.
Won't play vs. St. Louis City
Caicedo (thigh) won't be an option for Wednesday's game against St. Louis City SC, according to Adam Susman of The Timber Review.
Analysis: Caicedo exited Portland's last match due to thigh pain, and it's not surprising to see the former Pumas UNAM midfielder being ruled out on a quick turnaround. With Caicedo expected to miss an undisclosed amount of time, Joao Ortiz and Diego Chara are expected to see more playing time moving forward.
Picks up muscular issue
Caicedo was forced to exit in the first half of Saturday's 5-4 win over Minnesota United due to thigh pain.
Analysis: Caicedo had already been affected by muscular problems this season, so a potential new injury could cause serious worries in a team that had relied on him as a defensive midfielder lately. He could easily be ruled out for the upcoming double week and a few more games if a thigh issue is confirmed. In that case, Joao Ortiz and Diego Chara will be the main beneficiaries in terms of playing time.
Fit for bench
Caicedo (thigh) is on the bench for Tuesday's match against Seattle.
Analysis: Caicedo was dealing with a thigh injury ahead of the break, but has used that time to recover, as the midfielder is fit for a spot on the bench. This is a major return for the club, as they gain back a starting midfielder. This will be his first time on the team sheet not starting this season, having started in all seven of his previous appearances.
Remains questionable
Caicedo (thigh) is a "major doubt" ahead of Saturday's meeting with San Jose Earthquakes, as confirmed by coach Phil Neville on Thursday, Adam Susman of The Timber Review reports.
Analysis: Caicedo may not see more action before the World Cup break if he fails to recover quickly from his injury. In that case, Cole Bassett will remain active alongside either Diego Chara (undisclosed) or Joao Ortiz. Prior to the problem, Caicedo served as a consistent defensive contributor over a run of six league appearances between April and May.
Forced off early against Montreal
Caicedo left the field after nine minutes of Wednesday's 2-2 draw with Montreal due to a muscle issue.
Analysis: Caicedo succumbed to a pain and asked to be subbed off, leaving his place on the pitch to Diego Chara for the remainder of the match. The offseason signing has been a regular presence in holding midfield, averaging 54.1 accurate passes, 4.9 balls recovered and 2.6 tackles per game, so losing him reduces the Timbers' strength in defensive and possession aspects. In any case, the full extent of his injury is yet to be revealed.
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