Xabi Alonso Confirms Moises Caicedo Out for Carabao Cup

Xabi Alonso has ruled Moises Caicedo out of Chelsea’s Carabao Cup tie against Leeds United, but left the door open for a swift return in the Premier League this weekend.

Caicedo, who missed the defeat to Arsenal, has not yet shaken off the injury that sidelined him for that game. Alonso made it clear he will not gamble with one of his key midfielders for a midweek cup fixture.

“No, not yet. Still not ready to go,” Alonso said when asked about Caicedo and fellow summer arrival 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 Alonso without two of his summer signings for the third-round tie.

The picture could change quickly for the weekend. Chelsea host a Premier League opponent on Saturday, and Caicedo has not been ruled out of that one.

“Potentially, yes,” Alonso said when pressed on whether the Ecuadorian could feature. “But we need to wait and probably Thursday, Friday, we'll know more.”

There was at least one boost for Chelsea. Levi Colwill, an unused substitute against Arsenal, is available and in contention to start against Leeds.

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

Jordan Henderson and Emmanuel Emegha remain on the sidelines and will also miss the Carabao Cup tie. Their timelines are less clear, and Alonso was in no mood to commit.

Asked when the pair might be ready, he replied: “Ask me on Friday. Ask me on Friday.”

Chelsea go into the Leeds tie juggling minutes, injuries and expectations. Alonso’s message is simple: no shortcuts, no risks – not yet.