Chelsea have already been impacted heavily by injuries in the early stages of this season, and they will be hoping the list doesn’t get any longer after one of their players was seen training with a knee support.
Enzo Maresca has already seen Levi Colwill pick up a potential season-ending injury in pre-season, while Cole Palmer has been absent from two of the last three Premier League games due to a groin issue.
Both players started and contributed to goals in the Club World Cup final, and are among the players who the Blues rely on the most when they are fit.
Another individual who has proven to be one of the first names on the teamsheet is Moises Caicedo, and he has got off to a strong start again in the 2025/26 campaign.
Caicedo was named in the Team of the Month for August in the Premier League, however is yet to get going in the current international break.
Caicedo didn’t play in the first international friendly for Ecuador in order to rest him after a busy 18 months or so of fixtures, however there remains a question mark over his fitness.
The midfielder was spotted back in training ahead of their next game against Argentina, however could be seen with a major knee support.
The Blues will be hoping that no chances are taken with him, however given the magnitude of the game in their bid to qualify for the World Cup it is likely that he features.
Caicedo’s replacement also picks up injury
Given how many games Caicedo has had to play for Chelsea, the club made it their mission in the summer to find someone to provide suitable cover for the midfielder.
The Blues signed Dario Essugo, who proved a handy option from the bench particularly during the Club World Cup, before he was ruled out of the rest of the tournament due to injury.
Essugo has picked up an injury during international duty, meaning he will be unlikely to feature during the West London derby against Brentford.
The hope will be even higher that Caicedo is fit to ensure Maresca doesn’t have to significantly tweak his tactics in their quest to keep up with Liverpool at the top of the table.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
