Xabi Alonso shares Moises Caicedo injury update ahead of Hull City clash | OneFootball

Chelsea Injury Update: Moises Caicedo Still Out for Hull City Clash

Chelsea go into Saturday’s meeting with Hull City still short in midfield, and the headline is straightforward. Moises Caicedo is unavailable again.

The Ecuador international only recently returned from a calf problem against Brighton, but that comeback lasted 14 minutes before the issue flared up again. Xabi Alonso offered no spin and no false deadlines, saying: “Let’s see for Brentford [next week],” when asked about Caicedo’s chances.

Caicedo absence leaves Chelsea short

That matters because Chelsea are already juggling several absentees. Summer arrivals Marco Palestra, Jordan Henderson and Emmanuel Emegha are all still waiting for their competitive debuts. Palestra has been edging back after a training injury suffered on the eve of the campaign. Henderson is recovering from a broken wrist, while Emegha remains sidelined after a hamstring niggle picked up in a behind-closed-doors pre-season friendly against Bromley.

Put simply, Alonso has had limited room to manoeuvre, and it showed in midweek.

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Carabao Cup warning for Xabi Alonso

Chelsea’s Carabao Cup tie against Leeds exposed the risks of overcomplicating things. Heavy rotation saw Malo Gusto used on the right of a three-man midfield, Reggie Watson, still only 16, deployed as the lone anchor, and Valentin Barco handed his first Chelsea start on the left side of that unit.

It did not work. Chelsea went 2-0 down, the shape lacked control and Leeds took advantage. Alonso corrected it at the break, sending on Reece James for authority and introducing Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers, who changed the game completely. Palmer delivered two goals, Rogers supplied four assists, and suddenly order was restored.

Hull City test comes at awkward time

The immediate question is whether Chelsea can avoid another slow start against Hull City. Caicedo’s absence removes their most reliable midfield presence, and with Henderson, Palestra and Emegha still not ready, Alonso may again be forced into solutions that look clever on paper and flimsy in practice.

For now, Chelsea need fewer experiments and more control. That is the real issue ahead of Hull.