24yo Chelsea midfielder suffers fresh injury ahead of Arsenal game
Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo has suffered a fresh injury ahead of the Premier League derby against Arsenal next weekend.
The Blues have started their league campaign in fine fashion. They beat Fulham 3-2 on the road in their opening fixture before getting the better of Brighton & Hove Albion (4-3) at Stamford Bridge.
Caicedo was absent for the season opener against the Cottagers with a knock and subsequently missed the Carabao Cup second-round win over Luton Town for the same reason.
The Ecuadorian star made his comeback as a substitute against the Seagulls, but the defensive midfielder lasted only 14 minutes before he was taken off with an apparent fresh injury.
Valentin Barco came on to replace the 24-year-old. Caicedo will be assessed by Chelsea’s medical team in the coming days, but he could be a big doubt for the London derby at holders Arsenal.
The Blues travel to the Emirates Stadium to face the Gunners next Sunday. It promises to be a thriller in north London, but Caicedo may not be involved, judging by the unfortunate blow.
For Arsenal, it is an obvious injury boost ahead of a much-awaited derby. Caicedo is one of the best holding midfielders in world football, and his absence should benefit the Gunners.
Still, it won’t be a straightforward challenge as Blues manager Xabi Alonso can field captain Reece James as a makeshift number six alongside Romeo Lavia or Enzo Fernandez (if he stays).
Prior to that, Arsenal have a tricky trip to Aston Villa on Monday evening. Villa have been a bogey club for the Gunners, and Mikel Arteta’s side have picked up just two wins from the past six meetings.
Villa celebrated a dramatic last-second winner against the Gunners at Villa Park last term. Arsenal are better placed for tomorrow’s game with the departure of key stars at the Midlands outfit, but they must play at their best to pick up back-to-back wins to start their league title defence.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
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