Caicedo Misses Leeds Clash as Alonso Avoids Risks

Xabi Alonso will be without Moises Caicedo for Chelsea’s Carabao Cup clash with Leeds, with the head coach making it clear he will not rush the midfielder back.

Caicedo, who missed the defeat to Arsenal, has not yet shaken off the injury that sidelined him for that game. Alonso spelled it out when asked if the Ecuadorian and summer signing Marco Palestra would be involved.

“No, not yet. Still not ready to go,” he said. “Not the moment to take too early risk. So we go game by game with them and it's too early.”

Palestra also remains out as he continues to build towards full fitness, leaving Alonso to reshuffle again for the midweek tie.

Weekend Outlook

The outlook for the weekend is brighter. Asked if Caicedo could return in time for Chelsea’s Premier League fixture on Saturday, Alonso replied: “Potentially, yes. But we need to wait and probably Thursday, Friday, we'll know more.”

One key boost comes at the back. Levi Colwill, an unused substitute against Arsenal, is available and in contention to face Leeds.

“He's okay,” Alonso confirmed. “He's okay for tomorrow.”

The news is less encouraging for Jordan Henderson and Emmanuel Emegha, who will also miss the Carabao Cup tie. Alonso offered no firm timeline, only a repeat invitation.

“Ask me on Friday. Ask me on Friday.”

Chelsea go into the Leeds game juggling absences again, but with the promise that some of their missing core might just be back when the league business resumes at the weekend.