Caicedo out again: Chelsea predicted XI vs Leeds confirmed
Moises Caicedo is ruled out of Chelsea's Carabao Cup third-round tie against Leeds United on Wednesday night. The midfielder misses his fourth consecutive match due to injury. Chelsea also confirmed Marco Palestra, Jordan Henderson, and Emmanuel Emegha are unavailable.
- Competition: Carabao Cup third round
- Kick-off: 8pm BST, Wednesday September 9
- Venue: Stamford Bridge
- Headline: Caicedo out; rotation expected
- Predicted XI: Penders; Fofana, Lacroix, Colwill; Neto, Barco, Lavia, Chavarria; Rogers, Palmer, Welbeck
- Out: Caicedo, Palestra, Henderson, Emegha
Confirmed line-ups
Chelsea (likely 3-4-2-1)
Starting XI: Mike Penders; Wesley Fofana, Milos Lacroix, Levi Colwill; Pedro Neto, Valentin Barco, Romeo Lavia, Pep Chavarria; Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer; Danny Welbeck.
Substitutes: Not specified in source.
Leeds United
Line-up not provided in source.
Selection notes
Caicedo is out due to injury, having lasted only 14 minutes against Brighton before going off in pain. Marco Palestra also misses out after picking up an injury before the Fulham match. Jordan Henderson is sidelined with a wrist problem from the World Cup, and Emmanuel Emegha is unavailable. Levi Colwill is fit again after a minor fitness concern, and Mike Penders could start in goal.
What was said
"He came with huge energy, huge desire to enjoy his game in the Premier League. He had a very good pre-season. Right in the days before Fulham, he picked up an injury. We will need him, for sure. He will add a lot of good potential for the team."
Alonso is taking a cautious approach with Caicedo, saying no risk of repeating "the same mistake". The club is prioritising the league game against Hull City on Saturday over the cup tie.
Injury and availability
- Moises Caicedo: Out – not ready, no risk taken
- Marco Palestra: Out – pre-season injury
- Jordan Henderson: Out – wrist problem from World Cup
- Emmanuel Emegha: Out – not specified
- Levi Colwill: Available – fit again after minor concern
Why Alonso will rotate against Leeds
With a league match at home to Hull City on Saturday, Xabi Alonso is expected to make changes. Levi Colwill returns to the squad after being left out against Arsenal, while Mike Penders could deputise in goal. The midfield will lack Moises Caicedo's energy, so Romeo Lavia and Pep Chavarria must control the tempo.
Leeds will sense an opportunity against a rotated Chelsea side, but the Blues' depth should see them through. The defensive line may feature Wesley Fofana and Milos Lacroix alongside Colwill, offering a blend of pace and ball-playing ability.
In attack, Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers will support Danny Welbeck, looking to exploit space behind Leeds' defence. The onus is on Chelsea to progress without risking key players for the weekend.
Talking points
- Is Caicedo being rushed back? The club insists no, but fans will worry if he misses Hull too.
- Should Palmer start against Leeds? Some argue he needs rest before the league, others say cup progression matters.
- Colwill's return is timely – but will he be risked from the start?
- Penders in goal: a chance to impress or a sign of disrespect to the competition?
What happens next
Chelsea face Hull City at home in the Premier League on Saturday. A win against Leeds would set up a fourth-round tie, but the immediate focus is on the league fixture.
Frequently asked questions
Is Moises Caicedo playing against Leeds?
No, Caicedo is out again for the Carabao Cup tie against Leeds, as confirmed by Chelsea.
What is Chelsea's predicted line-up vs Leeds?
Penders; Fofana, Lacroix, Colwill; Neto, Barco, Lavia, Chavarria; Rogers, Palmer, Welbeck.
Who is missing for Chelsea vs Leeds?
Caicedo, Palestra, Henderson, and Emegha are all unavailable for the match.
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