Xabi Alonso issues Moises Caicedo update as Chelsea suffer fresh injury blow

The Ecuador international was returning to action after sustaining a knock in training that caused him to miss the opening league fixture at Fulham and the Carabao Cup victory over Luton in midweek.

He made his first appearance of the campaign against his former club on Sunday, but lasted just 14 minutes after replacing Pedro Neto in the second half at Stamford Bridge.

Alonso was unsure as to the extent of the 24-year-old’s latest setback, with the midfielder looking visibly upset as he departed the field, replaced by Valentin Barco, also a former Seagull.

Missing: Enzo Fernandez

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“Hopefully it wasn’t new, and hopefully it wasn’t more than last time,” Alonso said of Caicedo.

“He was cautious to stop and say that he wasn’t feeling the best. We will assess it during the week.”

Chelsea curiously lined up with natural full-back Malo Gusto in the engine room to partner Romeo Lavia, while captain Reece James came off the bench to operate in centre-field alongside Caicedo when Brighton seized the ascendancy in the second half.

The Argentine was left out of the squad against Luton, and was nowhere to be seen in west London on Sunday.

Goalscorer: Pedro Neto

PA

“We want the best for the team,” Alonso explained.

“That’s why we took the decision today for Luton and today. We need to be aware as to what’s going to develop before Tuesday. We will prepare for all the scenarios, but I assure you that from Wednesday, we will have a good enough squad to compete in the Premier League.”

Neto, who notched the hosts’ second goal of the afternoon, has also been linked with a move away, with the likes of Tottenham and Manchester City previously rumoured to have registered interest in the Portuguese.

However, after an impressive display in an unfamiliar wing-back role, it appears that he will be staying put, with a big part to play in Alonso’s project.

“I don’t guarantee anything to anyone,” the Chelsea manager said when asked about Neto’s future.

“I was very happy with Pedro. He did really well; he’s going to be very important for the whole season, because he has very special qualities”