Moises Caicedo now close to suspension after terrible decision in Southampton win, one player’s injury return has suddenly become vital

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Moises Caicedo helped Chelsea to beat Southampton 4-0 on Tuesday, but Enzo Maresca is now at risk of losing the midfielder for a couple of games.

Caicedo and Chelsea were able to climb back into the top four following their win against Ivan Juric’s side.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	LiverpoolLiverpool	27	19	7	1	64	26	38	64
2	ArsenalArsenal	26	15	8	3	51	23	28	53
3	Nottm ForestNottingham Forest	26	14	5	7	44	33	11	47
4	ChelseaChelsea	27	13	7	7	52	36	16	46
5	Man CityManchester City	26	13	5	8	52	37	15	44
6	NewcastleNewcastle	26	13	5	8	46	36	10	44

They play Leicester City next, and it is a fixture that Caicedo may have to be left out of despite the 23-year-old being one of the Blues’ most important players.

According to former Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion manager Graham Potter, Caicedo used to struggle with the pace of the game in England, but that no longer seems to be a problem.

• READ MORE: Three midfielders Chelsea should now target after Kobbie Mainoo update, including Premier League star ‘on a par’ with Moises Caicedo

Moises Caicedo could miss Chelsea’s London derbies against Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur

During Chelsea’s victory over Southampton, Caicedo picked up his ninth yellow card of the Premier League season after deciding to make what was a poor challenge.

It means he is one away from a two-game suspension, with the Blues’ next three games coming against Leicester, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.

If Caicedo gets booked in Chelsea’s tie with Leicester, then, he will be suspended for both of those London derbies versus Arsenal and Tottenham.

It is something that Maresca cannot afford. Therefore, the Chelsea manager should consider leaving him on the bench for the Foxes’ visit to Stamford Bridge.

While they may fancy their chances of beating Tottenham at home, already taking three points from them in December, the Blues will find it difficult to defeat Arsenal without Caicedo, one of their key players.

The Ecuadorian could probably do with a rest anyway. Caicedo has played a lot of football this season, not being helped by Romeo Lavia’s failure to remain fit.

Romeo Lavia return crucial

With Caicedo at risk of suspension ahead of two massive games, Lavia coming back could be huge for Chelsea.

Earlier this month, Maresca told reporters that Lavia was closing in on a return. The Belgian has still not been seen yet, but hopefully that changes soon.

He is the closest thing that Chelsea currently have to Caicedo. As good as Enzo Fernandez is, the Argentine is not an athlete like his midfield partner. Lavia, on the other hand, is.

The 21-year-old is strong, can get up and down the pitch and is capable of making tackles and interceptions. As per FBref, he has been making 2.88 tackles and 1.86 interceptions per 90. The sooner Chelsea have him back, the better.