Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso faces a late decision over the fitness of vice-captain Moises Caicedo ahead of Sunday’s London derby against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
The Ecuador international is a major doubt after suffering another setback, having already endured an injury-hit start to the new campaign.
Chelsea are expected to make a final decision on Caicedo’s availability on Saturday, a day before the clash with the reigning Premier League champions.
The 24-year-old missed the opening win over Fulham and the midweek Carabao Cup victory against Luton Town before returning as a substitute in Sunday’s 4-3 win over Brighton.
Caicedo came on in the 68th minute but lasted only 14 minutes before going down, although he was eventually able to walk off unaided after receiving treatment.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, Alonso said the club would wait until the final assessment before deciding whether Caicedo could feature.
“We will check tomorrow, tomorrow is the last decision for the squad on Sunday,” Alonso told reporters.
He added, “We [need to] not worry, we need to check tomorrow and take the final decision.”
Caicedo has made 149 appearances for Chelsea since joining from Brighton in August 2023 and serves as vice-captain behind Reece James.
Chelsea have also had to reshape their midfield this summer following Enzo Fernandez’s move to Manchester City, with Valentin Barco and Jordan Henderson added to the squad.
Alonso believes the options available to him can help Chelsea cope should Caicedo miss the derby, pointing to the different qualities within his midfield.
“[We have] different qualities, personalities,” Alonso said.
He highlighted the contrasting qualities of the newcomers, adding, “Valentin’s young, but he has come with great energy.
“We have Hendo, he has the composure, the mentality, he knows what’s going on in the games. He’s getting closer, closer to playing time.”
With Caicedo’s fitness still unresolved, Chelsea will have to wait until Saturday’s final assessment before knowing whether their vice-captain will be available against Arsenal.
