Xabi Alonso rules Moises Caicedo out of Chelsea vs Hull

Xabi Alonso has confirmed Moises Caicedo will miss Chelsea’s Premier League clash with Hull City on Saturday.

The midfielder had returned to training earlier this week, raising hopes that he could feature at Stamford Bridge.

However, Alonso has again decided not to take a risk with one of Chelsea’s most important players.

Alonso told reporters on Friday that Chelsea could instead target next week’s trip to Brentford for Caicedo’s return.

“Let’s see for Brentford, but it’s not the moment to take the risk with him. Not yet.”

Moises Caicedo will miss Chelsea vs Hull

Caicedo has endured a frustrating start to the new campaign.

He missed Chelsea’s opening two matches before making his return from the bench against Brighton.

That comeback lasted only 14 minutes before the Ecuador international was forced off again.

Chelsea have subsequently taken a much more cautious approach.

The club confirmed before the Leeds victory that Caicedo had returned to training but was still not ready to be risked.

That position has now carried into Saturday’s Premier League fixture.

Marco Palestra will also remain unavailable, while Jordan Henderson and Emmanuel Emegha are still sidelined.

Romeo Lavia’s absence from the 6-3 Carabao Cup victory over Leeds was instead part of managing his workload rather than a fresh injury problem.

Caicedo’s absence should therefore leave Lavia competing to start in midfield alongside Reece James.

ReadChelsea’s predicted Chelsea XI against Hull already had Lavia starting while doubts remained over Caicedo.

That prediction can now be strengthened following Alonso’s update.

Caicedo’s absence remains significant.

ReadChelsea has already covered Chelsea’s cautious approach to his latest injury, while the defeat at Arsenal highlighted how important his defensive presence can be.

Chelsea host Hull at Stamford Bridge on Saturday at 3pm BST.