Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has shared a cautious update regarding the fitness of midfielder Moises Caicedo as the team prepares for their upcoming London derby against Arsenal. The situation surrounding Caicedo's availability remains unclear, raising concerns among fans ahead of the crucial fixture.

Caicedo had been sidelined due to injury, missing Chelsea's matches against Fulham and Luton Town. He made a brief return as a substitute in the recent game against Brighton and Hove Albion but was forced to leave the pitch just 13 minutes later, prompting worries about his physical condition.

In a pre-match press conference, Alonso acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Caicedo's status but refrained from providing a definitive answer. "We will check tomorrow. Tomorrow is the last decision for the squad on Sunday. We need not be worried. These things can happen, and we need to check. Tomorrow we will make the final decision," he stated, as reported by Chelsea TV.

The situation is further complicated by Chelsea's recent transfer activities. The club sold Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City for a staggering £125 million on deadline day, leaving the squad with fewer options in midfield. A planned acquisition of Lamine Camara from AS Monaco also fell through at the last minute, which has left Alonso with limited choices to fill the midfield gap.

Should Caicedo be unable to participate in the match against Arsenal, Alonso may have to rely on other players such as Valentino Barco, Romeo Lavia, Jordan Henderson, or club captain Reece James to step into the midfield role. The loss of Caicedo, combined with Fernandez's departure, means Chelsea heads into this high-stakes derby with a significantly reduced depth in a critical area of the pitch.

Caicedo's impact on the team has been notable, having played in 50 matches for Chelsea last season and representing Ecuador at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His absence would be felt keenly as Chelsea aims to secure a vital win against their London rivals.