"He's A Machine" - Joao Pedro Admits Chelsea Are Missing One Key Player This Season | OneFootball

Moises Caicedo was the first of many players to sign a new contract, with Pedro Neto the latest.

Joao Pedro highlighted the importance of Chelsea teammate Moises Caicedo, whom he described as “the best” in the world in his position, to the club's plans.

Chelsea have been dealing with several injuries early this season, but Caicedo’s is arguably the most significant.

The 24-year-old, who signed a new Chelsea contract back in April, played the third-most minutes for the team last season, after all, second-most among outfielders.

Arguably, Chelsea’s over-reliance on him may have contributed to his injury absence, because Caicedo hasn't had any major injury spell since moving to England in 2021. He last missed a Chelsea game due to a fitness issue back in December 2023.

Caicedo sustained a minor injury, which was later revealed to be a calf issue, just before the season started. He missed the first two games, returned against his former club, Brighton & Hove Albion, and played only 14 minutes before being forced off due to a setback.

He has yet to play for the Blues since the cameo, and manager Xabi Alonso made it clear he did not want to take more risks with the midfielder’s fitness.

His absence has been a big blow to the team. Alonso still has other options, especially with Reece James moving to midfield, but as Joao Pedro recently pointed out, Chelsea are missing their midfield engine.

“He’s the best in his position in the world,” Joao Pedro told Men in Blazers without hesitation when asked about Caicedo.

“When he (fights for) the ball, I don’t need to say anything because everyone knows he’s a machine.

“He’s very important for us, but soon he’ll be back.”

Question mark over Caicedo's fitness for Brentford trip

Last week, Alonso confirmed that Caicedo might make his return this week when Chelsea visit Brentford for an away Premier League fixture on Friday night.

However, the Ecuador international’s absence from Tuesday’s training session clearly reduces the likelihood of this.

Without Caicedo, Alonso is expected to continue to rely on James and Romeo Lavia in midfield against Brentford.

But if Caicedo can recover in time, it will be interesting to see him playing alongside James. The pair’s defensive prowess could surely help improve Chelsea’s dire defensive situation after conceding 14 goals in six games across all competitions.

The trip to Brentford will be Chelsea’s last action before the three-week international break, so this hopefully gives Caicedo and three others on the club’s injury list, Marco Palestra, Jordan Henderson, and Emmanuel Emegha, enough time to fully recover.

Ecuador recently appointed a new head coach, Marcello Gallardo. The former River Plate boss has yet to announce his squad for the international break, but it would be a surprise if Caicedo gets involved much.