Xabi Alonso Provides Update on Moises Caicedo's Injury Status

Xabi Alonso has ruled Moises Caicedo out of Chelsea’s Carabao Cup tie against Leeds United, but opened the door to a possible return for the midfielder this weekend.

Caicedo, who missed the defeat to Arsenal, has not yet shaken off the injury that sidelined him for that game, and Alonso is refusing to gamble with one of his key players.

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

Palestra will also sit out the Leeds clash as he continues to build towards full fitness, leaving Chelsea short of two summer recruits for the midweek cup tie.

The picture looks brighter for the weekend. Asked if Caicedo could feature in Saturday’s Premier League fixture, Alonso was cautiously optimistic.

“Potentially, yes. But we need to wait and probably Thursday, Friday, we'll know more.”

One boost for Chelsea 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 both remain out for the Carabao Cup match. Alonso offered no timeline, only a hint that the next update will come at the end of the week.

“Ask me on Friday. Ask me on Friday.”

For now, Chelsea head into the Leeds tie juggling fitness concerns, knowing the real answers on several key players may not arrive until the weekend draws closer.