Softfootball can confirm Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has provided an update on the fitness of Moises Caicedo and Jordan Henderson ahead of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup clash with Leeds United.
Caicedo will miss another game after Alonso confirmed that the Ecuador international is still recovering from a calf problem that has kept him out of three of Chelsea’s four matches in all competitions this season.
The midfielder briefly returned against Brighton & Hove Albion, coming off the bench, but lasted just 14 minutes before being forced off again after experiencing pain.
Alonso admitted that he made a mistake by bringing Caicedo back too quickly and has now taken a more cautious approach to avoid aggravating the problem further.
He has a problem in his calf
Alonso said.
When asked whether the midfielder had suffered a new injury, the Chelsea boss replied:
No, it is not a new injury. It was the same one he had before Brighton. I wanted to have Moi for that game.
Probably it was my mistake to push him too early, so that’s why I’m cautious now not to make the same mistake.
Caicedo’s absence comes at an important period for Chelsea, with the club looking to respond after suffering a dramatic 2-1 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on September 6, a result that ended another difficult Premier League outing against one of their title rivals.
Chelsea will now turn their attention to the Carabao Cup, but Alonso will also be without Henderson.
The 36-year-old midfielder has not played for either club or country since suffering a freak injury following England’s 3-2 victory over Mexico at the World Cup in July.
Henderson fell awkwardly after climbing over an advertising hoarding and subsequently required surgery on his wrist. His arm has yet to fully heal, although Alonso confirmed that the experienced midfielder is now in the final stages of his recovery.
Despite being unavailable on the pitch, Henderson has remained heavily involved with the squad and has travelled with Chelsea for matches.
Alonso was asked whether the Champions League winner has already been able to demonstrate his leadership qualities at Chelsea or whether his main focus has been on rehabilitation.
Both, he has been very close to the team
Alonso explained.
Even being injured, he has been travelling with us [to games]. I know that he likes and he needs to have this connection with the team, to have this impact on the pitch and off the pitch.
Henderson’s experience could prove valuable to Alonso once he is fully fit, particularly given the midfielder’s leadership qualities and extensive experience at the highest level.
Meanwhile, Chelsea supporters will be hoping Caicedo can recover fully rather than being rushed back again. Alonso’s admission suggests the club are determined to manage the midfielder carefully this time, with the priority being to ensure he returns without suffering another setback.
Chelsea must now navigate the Leeds fixture without two experienced midfield options, while Alonso continues to manage a squad facing a demanding early-season schedule.
