Xabi Alonso Rules Moises Caicedo Out for Carabao Cup Tie

Xabi Alonso has ruled Moises Caicedo out of Chelsea’s Carabao Cup tie against Leeds United, but left the door open for a swift return in the Premier League at the weekend.

Caicedo, who missed the defeat to Arsenal, has not yet shaken off the injury that sidelined him for that match, and Alonso made it clear he will not gamble with one of his key midfielders.

“No, not yet. Still not ready to go,” Alonso said when asked about Caicedo and fellow summer signing Marco Palestra. “Not the moment to take too early risk. So we go game by game with them and it's too early.”

Palestra will also sit out the Leeds clash as he continues to build towards full fitness, leaving Chelsea light in midfield options for the cup tie.

The tone shifted when Alonso was pressed on Caicedo’s chances of featuring in the league on Saturday. There, he allowed a hint of optimism.

“Potentially, yes,” he said. “But we need to wait and probably Thursday, Friday, we'll know more.”

There was immediate good news in defence. Levi Colwill, an unused substitute against Arsenal, is available to face Leeds.

“He's okay,” Alonso confirmed. “He's okay for tomorrow.”

Chelsea will still be without Jordan Henderson and Emmanuel Emegha for the Carabao Cup meeting, extending their spells on the sidelines. Alonso, though, refused to put a timeline on their comebacks.

“Ask me on Friday. Ask me on Friday,” he replied, keeping the focus firmly on Leeds and the next 90 minutes rather than the injury list.