---
title: "Chelsea injury news: Caicedo and Palestra ruled out vs Leeds"
canonical: "https://readchelsea.com/2026/09/08/chelsea-injury-news-caicedo-palestra-henderson/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Chettle"
section: "Chelsea News"
published: "2026-09-08T07:22:00Z"
modified: "2026-10-10T21:43:44Z"
---

# Chelsea injury news: Caicedo and Palestra ruled out vs Leeds

Moises Caicedo and Marco Palestra have been ruled out of Chelsea’s Carabao Cup clash with Leeds United, although Levi Colwill is fit to return.

Xabi Alonso confirmed the latest Chelsea injury news ahead of Wednesday night’s third-round tie at Stamford Bridge, with Jordan Henderson and Emmanuel Emegha also remaining unavailable.

Caicedo had already missed Sunday’s 2-1 defeat against Arsenal following another fitness setback, while Palestra is still waiting to make his competitive Chelsea debut.

Chelsea’s [official team-news update](https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/article/xabi-alonso-confirms-chelsea-team-news-for-leeds-visit?utm_source=chatgpt.com) has now confirmed neither player will be rushed back against Leeds.

## Moises Caicedo ruled out against Leeds

Alonso was asked directly whether Caicedo and Palestra would be available on Wednesday and replied: “No, not yet.”

The Chelsea head coach explained that neither player is ready and stressed that this is not the moment to take an unnecessary risk with their fitness.

That decision appears particularly sensible with Caicedo.

The Ecuador international returned from injury against Brighton but lasted only 14 minutes before suffering another setback. He was then left out of the squad completely at Arsenal.

Alonso subsequently admitted Chelsea may have brought him back too early.

ReadChelsea’s previous [Moises Caicedo injury update](https://readchelsea.com/2026/09/06/xabi-alonso-moises-caicedo-injury-update-arsenal/) explained why the club were likely to take a more cautious approach this time.

His absence creates another midfield decision for Alonso, although Romeo Lavia, Reece James and Valentin Barco provide options.

Our updated [Chelsea predicted XI against Leeds](https://readchelsea.com/2026/09/07/chelsea-predicted-xi-leeds/) has Barco partnering Lavia as Alonso considers making significant changes following the Arsenal game.

## Palestra must wait for Chelsea debut

Palestra will also have to wait for his first competitive Chelsea appearance.

The Italy international impressed during pre-season before suffering an injury shortly before the Premier League opener against Fulham.

Palestra recently indicated that his recovery was progressing well, but Wednesday has ultimately arrived too soon.

Alonso admitted the situation has been particularly frustrating for the summer signing after the energy he showed during pre-season, while also making clear that Chelsea expect him to become an important player once fully fit.

There is better news surrounding Colwill.

The defender was an unused substitute at Arsenal because of a fitness issue, but Alonso has confirmed he is now ready to feature against Leeds.

That could make the England international one of the more experienced players included if Chelsea rotate heavily at Stamford Bridge.

Henderson and Emegha, meanwhile, remain sidelined and will not be available.

Chelsea therefore go into the cup tie without four players, but Colwill’s return gives Alonso another defensive option as he balances Wednesday’s game with Saturday’s Premier League meeting against Hull City.

ReadChelsea’s full [Chelsea vs Leeds preview](https://readchelsea.com/2026/09/07/chelsea-leeds-preview/) has the latest fixture, television and team-news information ahead of the 8pm kick-off.