Chelsea face Moises Caicedo injury wait before Arsenal clash as Xabi Alonso issues update | OneFootball

Midfielder lasted just 14 minutes in previous appearance

Caicedo missed the first two games of the season against Fulham and Luton but appeared as a substitute when making his return against Brighton last weekend.

The Ecuador captain lasted just 14 minutes, though, before being taken off injured in a setback for the midfielder.

Speaking after Chelsea’s 4-3 win, Alonso said: “Hopefully it’s not new, and it wasn’t more than last time.

Alonso has now given a fresh update on Caicedo’s situation ahead of Sunday’s crucial clash with defending champions Arsenal at the Emirates.

Late fitness test: Moises Caicedo

AFP/Getty

He said: “We will check tomorrow. Tomorrow is the last [training] session for the squad on Sunday.”

Asked if he is worried about Caicedo’s situation, Alonso added: “No, we need to not worry. These things happen, we need to check tomorrow and make the final decision.”

Enzo Fernandez’s Deadline Day move to Manchester City - and the collapsed move for Lamine Camara - leaves Chelsea with five senior midfielders, with Reece James, Valentin Barco, Romeo Lavia and the injured Jordan Henderson completing the lineup.

Alonso is insistent that Chelsea have enough midfield options to get them through the campaign without issue, also suggesting there may be opportunities in line for academy talents.

“Different qualities, personalities,” he said, asked to assess his midfield arsenal.

“Valentin (Barco) is young but he has a great energy. Hendo has the composure and the mentality. Hendo knows what is going on in the game, he's getting closer and closer to playing time.

“Reece (James) as well, Malo (Gusto). (Reggie) Watson and Mahdi (Nicoll-Jazuli) from the academy. We have options, quality and competitiveness.”