Xabi Alonso Confirms Caicedo's Absence for Leeds Match

Xabi Alonso rules Caicedo out of Leeds tie but hints at weekend return

Chelsea will have to navigate their Carabao Cup clash with Leeds without Moises Caicedo, with Xabi Alonso refusing to gamble on the midfielder’s fitness.

Caicedo missed the defeat to Arsenal and has not yet shaken off the injury that sidelined him for that game. Alonso made it clear he will not rush one of his key players back for a midweek cup tie.

“No, not yet. Still not ready to go,” Alonso said when asked about Caicedo and fellow absentee Marco Palestra. “Not the moment to take too early risk. So we go game by game with them and it's too early.”

Palestra, a summer signing, also remains out as he continues to build up to full fitness, leaving Chelsea short of options in midfield for the visit of Leeds.

The tone changed when the weekend was mentioned. Caicedo’s absence is a blow for the cup, but Alonso left the door open for a swift return in the Premier League.

Asked if the Ecuador international could feature in Saturday’s league fixture, Alonso replied: “Potentially, yes. But we need to wait and probably Thursday, Friday, we'll know more.”

One boost does arrive at the back. Levi Colwill, an unused substitute against Arsenal, is now ready to start if called upon.

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

The news is less encouraging for Jordan Henderson and Emmanuel Emegha. Both will stay on the sidelines for the Leeds tie, with Alonso refusing to put a timeline on their comebacks.