Enzo Maresca has found one positive from Moises Caicedo’s suspension, he may be on to something

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Enzo Maresca will be without Moises Caicedo when Chelsea face Leeds United at Elland Road on Wednesday night.

As a result of his red card against Arsenal, Caicedo will also miss games versus Bournemouth and Everton.

In his absence, Josh Acheampong could step into midfield, though Andrey Santos seems like the more likely option.

It is a blow for Chelsea, yet Maresca appears to have found one positive from Caicedo’s three-game ban.

• READ MORE: Jamie Carragher’s analysis on why Moises Caicedo commits so many fouls after Arsenal red card

Enzo Maresca thinks Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo will benefit from enforced rest

Caicedo has played a lot of football for both Chelsea and the Ecuador national team, but he will get a bit of a breather now following his suspension. According to Maresca, that is a good thing.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, which has been shared by Chelsea’s official club website, the Italian said: “This break will give him a little bit more rest because he is playing every game, also with the international team. That is the positive part.

“Next Tuesday he will be available to play Atalanta, so one game in one week, but it’s a chance for him to recover energy and to recover from his knee problem.”

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This season, Caicedo has only missed one game in the Premier League, which was his side’s 2-0 win against Burnley.

Santos deputised for Caicedo that day and did an excellent job. It means Maresca can have confidence in him ahead of the trip to Elland Road.

Moises Caicedo has played too much football

Maresca is not wrong to suggest that Caicedo is being overused. Therefore, this three-match ban really could end up benefitting the 24-year-old.

This term, Caicedo has already played 18 games and 1,389 minutes in total. Last season, he made 50 appearances.

Ultimately, over the last few seasons, Caicedo has played a lot of football, perhaps even too much. The above does not even include the caps he has earned for Ecuador.

As Maresca alluded to, the former Brighton & Hove Albion man has also been playing with a knee injury. Sitting out Chelsea’s next three league fixtures could do him a world of good.

The Club World Cup winners did not lose against Arsenal either, so maybe Caicedo’s sending off really could end up being a blessing in disguise. It never cost Chelsea in their London derby, and the Ecuador international now has time to rest.