M. Caicedo
Center Midfielder
Creative Playmaker
Nov 2, 2001 (24)
Right
5'10"
161 lb
Substituted due to fatigue
Caicedo was substituted late in Saturday's 2-0 Premier League victory over Everton due to tiredness rather than a new injury concern, according to coach Xabi Alonso, per Roundtable. "For Moi, it was his second game. He was a bit tired."
Analysis: Caicedo was withdrawn during the closing stages of Saturday's 2-0 victory over Everton as Chelsea continued to manage his workload following his recent return to action. The Ecuadorian midfielder made his second consecutive appearance after recovering from a calf injury and delivered another solid performance in the center of the pitch, recording one shot, one chance created and 58 passes. He also completed six passes into the final third and five line-breaking passes while winning 50 percent of his ground duels and one aerial duel. Caicedo came close to scoring with a powerful first-half effort that struck the woodwork, although his attacking contributions remained limited overall. Coach Alonso's comments suggest his substitution was precautionary rather than injury-related, and with Chelsea having a full week to prepare for Saturday's clash against Tottenham, Caicedo should have sufficient time to recover and remain in contention for his usual starting role.
Creates one chance in victory
Caicedo registered one shot (zero on goal) and one chance created in Saturday's 2-0 victory over Everton.
Analysis: Caicedo wasn't the man of the hour as the midfielder only managed a one-off-target shot and created one chance against Everton. He offered limited attacking output, but his deeper position helped him make the joint-most passes in the game (58). The Ecuadorian also won 50 per cent of the ground duels faced and one aerial duel. Furthermore, he made six passes into the final third and five line-breaking passes.
Plays in behind-closed-doors friendly
Caicedo (calf) played in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Portsmouth during the international break as he continues to work on his recovery, according to Kieran Gill of The Daily Mail.
Analysis: Caicedo "played a part" in the first half of that friendly, which resulted in a 2-0 loss to the Championship side, and it marked another positive step in the midfielder's recovery. Caicedo has been limited to just 14 minutes of EPL action this season, but a final call on his status will probably be made by manager Xabi Alonso in his pre-match presser before Saturday's contest against Bournemouth. Romeo Lavia should continue to see an expanded role in midfield if Caicedo isn't fit to return, or start, Saturday against the Cherries.
Continues to miss training
Caicedo (calf) has yet to resume practice while Chelsea prepare for the next stretch of the season during the international break, Arthur Ferridge of The Standard reports.
Analysis: Caicedo was not called up by the Ecuadorian national team to prioritize his recovery from the issue that has sidelined him for all of September. While the key midfielder fails to make a return to training sessions, players such as Romeo Lavia, Valentin Barco and Jordan Henderson may see increased chances of appearing in the double pivot. However, Caicedo will regain a major role whenever he's fit again given his status as a reliable all-around contributor.
Out another match
Caicedo (calf) is out for Friday's match against Brentford.
Analysis: Caicedo will not return ahead of the international break and will instead remain sidelined, with the midfielder still struggling with a calf injury. The good news is that he should use the break to heal fully after just being considered a late call. It will mark a third match missed in a row for the Ecuadorian, leaving Chelsea without an important piece of their midfield.
Late call against Brentford
Caicedo (calf) could return for Friday's clash against Brentford, with a final decision on his availability expected ahead of the match, according to coach Xabi Alonso, per Football London. "He's getting closer and tomorrow we will make the final decision"
Analysis: Caicedo has missed Chelsea's last two Premier League matches due to the calf injury but is now moving closer to a return. His availability will be determined by a final assessment ahead of Friday's match, though Chelsea is unlikely to take unnecessary risks with the midfielder. Romeo Lavia and Reece James should remain the main options in central midfield if Caicedo isn't cleared to return.
Out opening day
Caicedo is out for Monday's match against Fulham due to a fitness issue in training, according to manager Xabi Alonso. "They had minor setbacks during the week, so they were not fit to play tonight."
Analysis: Caicedo is at the stadium with Chelsea on Monday, but is not in the team sheet, signifying the midfielder is likely dealing with some sort of fitness issue. This is a major loss for the team, as the Ecuadorian has only missed a handful of games since joining the club, a regular in the midfield for them. The good news it is only a training injury he picked up, likely to make a quick turnaround after only a minor setback.
Mixed display in elimination
Caicedo registered one shot (zero on goal), six crosses (zero accurate) and three corners in Tuesday's 2-0 defeat against Mexico. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 99th minute.
Analysis: Caicedo was Ecuador's set piece taker in the first half and registered his highest cross tally of the tournament with six, but could not find a teammate with any of them. He kept trying to unlock Mexico's defence with long balls into the opposition half and created a big chance that Kevin Rodriguez was unable to convert. His one tackle of the night was a last man challenge that stopped a counter attack and prevented the scoreline from getting worse, a crucial intervention in what was a balanced display from the Chelsea midfielder. It was not enough to avoid elimination however, and he ends the tournament with four shots and nine chances created going forward while contributing nine tackles, four interceptions, four clearances and one block defensively across four games.
Plays all 90 minutes
Caicedo generated one shot (zero on goal), one cross (one accurate) and one chance created in Thursday's 2-1 win against Germany.
Analysis: Caicedo closed out his final group stage match Thursday with an 89 percent pass accuracy, 13 passes into the final third, four tackles, and four duels won, reinforcing how central he is to Ecuador's midfield structure. The Chelsea midfielder has been a steady two‑way presence throughout the tournament, consistently influencing play on both ends of the pitch and showcasing exceptional distribution, highlighted by his sustained 89 percent pass accuracy and more than 200 accurate passes completed overall.
Five crosses in 0-0 draw
Caicedo generated one shot (one on goal), five crosses (three accurate) and two corners in Saturday's 0-0 draw against Curacao.
Analysis: Caicedo played 90 minutes for the second game of the World Cup as Ecuador drew 0-0 with Curacao to pick up their first point. He will be looking to lead them to the next round with a victory against Germany in teh final group game. He created four chances in this game, bringing his total to seven chances created for the tournament. He completed three of his five crosses and also completed 100 passes to show the dominance that his Ecuador side had over their opponents.
Creative effort in loss
Caicedo registered one shot (zero on goal), four crosses (two accurate) and three corners in Sunday's 1-0 defeat versus Cote D'ivoire.
Analysis: Caicedo contributed from midfield on the defensive end with a couple of tackles and interceptions, coming close to a clean sheet before Amad Diallo scored a 90th-minute winner. Going forward, he left his mark from midfield through set pieces and throughout the match, though his efforts did not result in a direct contribution. Caicedo is a crucial figure for Ecuador and his creative upside from midfield should have more room to show in their next match against Curacao, who lost 7-1 to Germany in their opener and are the smallest country to ever qualify for the World Cup.
Solid option in holding midfield
Caicedo should see significant action in the upcoming World Cup given his status as one of Ecuador's most well-rounded assets.
Analysis: Caicedo will once again anchor Ecuador's midfield after another strong campaign in the English Premier League. The central man provides value through ball recoveries, tackles and possession retention rather than direct goal contributions, but he can occasionally push forward to support in playmaking tasks. His ability to disrupt opposing attacks while keeping the ball moving efficiently is a major reason Ecuador has become such a difficult team to break down. While he's unlikely to score or assist frequently, his balanced workload and defensive production remain attractive in deeper fantasy formats.
Signs new contract
Caicedo has inked a new contract with Chelsea, according to his club.
Analysis: Caicedo is going to remain a part of the Blues for the next few seasons, as the midfielder is inking a new deal until 2033. This is a major mark for the Ecuadorian, as it is clear he is a part of the club's future, continuing their trend of locking up young talent for numerous years. He has been a starter since transferring to the club from Brighton in the 2023/24 season, notching five goals and six assists in 100 appearances.
Scores decisive goal
Caicedo scored one goal to go with four shots (four on goal), two crosses (zero accurate) and three chances created in Wednesday's 1-0 victory against Pafos.
Analysis: Caicedo delivered a strong offensive performance against Pafos on Wednesday, scoring a header after a defender's deflection on a corner from Pedro Neto. He also posted a season-high four shots while creating three key passes. The midfielder remains a key figure for his side, constantly on the move and capable of pushing forward when needed, as reflected in his Champions League numbers this season with two goals, eight chances created, 19 tackles and seven interceptions across seven appearances.
Available again
Caicedo is an option for the midweek visit to Fulham after serving his suspension.
Analysis: Caicedo missed the weekend's draw with Manchester City after he picked up his fifth yellow card of the season during his last appearance against Bournemouth. Reece James took his spot in defensive midfield for that game, but the change is likely to be reversed with the Ecuadorian likely returning to the starting lineup for upcoming matchups.
Set for suspension
Caicedo is set for a one-match ban due to yellow card accumulation.
Analysis: Caicedo is going to be suspended for the weekend and the club's upcoming game, as he has suffered a fifth yellow card of the season after receiving one for a third straight match. This will leave him out to face Manchester City on Sunday, forcing the club to be without a regular starter. Reece James is likely to enter the starting XI in his role to face City while Caicedo waits upon his return when facing Fulham on Jan. 7.
Suspension cleared
Caicedo is no longer suspended and is an option moving forward for the club.
Analysis: Caicedo has served his three-match ban due to the straight red card he received against Arsenal and is set to return in the next contest. The midfielder is an undisputed starter in the heart of the game for the Blues and will claim back that role on Saturday against Newcastle.
Sent off in first half
Caicedo was shown a red card in the 35th minute of Sunday's match against Arsenal.
Analysis: Caicedo would be sent off Sunday following a review from VAR, with the midfielder's yellow card upgraded to a red card. This will leave him out to face Leeds United on Wednesday, set for a return when facing Bournemouth on Dec. 6 later in the week. He is a starter, so a change will be forced, with Cole Palmer likely to enter the starting lineup again while Enzo Fernandez moves to a more defensive role until Caicedo is an option again.
Assists in Saturday's win
Caicedo assisted once to go with zero corners and two chances created in Saturday's 1-0 victory versus Tottenham Hotspur.
Analysis: Caicedo recorded his first assist of the season as he set up Joao Pedro's goal in the 34th minute. It came on one of two chances he created in the match. He also helped keep a clean sheet as won four duels, intercepted five passes, won two tackles and made one clearance in his full 90 minutes of action.
Scores in Wednesday's win
Caicedo scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) in Wednesday's 5-1 win versus Ajax.
Analysis: Caicedo scored his first Champions League goal of the season Wednesday, an outside the box strike in the 27th minute assisted by Jamie Gittens. He now has four goals in all competitions this season, already matching his total from the last three seasons combined. It's unclear if this goalscoring increase is an anomaly or if this is just an expanded part of his game. If it's the latter, that combined with his defensive contributions makes him a valuable asset.
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