Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso says a final decision on Moises Caicedo’s fitness will be made on Saturday, with the Ecuadorian midfielder a doubt for Sunday’s Premier League clash against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
Caicedo missed Chelsea’s opening two league matches against Fulham and Luton Town before returning to the squad for last weekend’s encounter with Brighton and Hove Albion.
However, his comeback was short-lived. The midfielder came on as a second-half substitute but was forced off after just 13 minutes with an issue Alonso described as “wasn’t something new.”
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s London derby, Alonso said Chelsea would assess Caicedo during their final training session before making a decision on his availability.
“We will check tomorrow. Tomorrow is the last decision for the squad on Sunday,” Alonso said.
“We need to not be worried. These things can happen and we need to check. Tomorrow we will make the final decision.”
Caicedo’s availability could prove crucial as Alonso prepares for his first meeting with Arsenal since taking charge of Chelsea. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is also dealing with several fitness concerns ahead of the fixture.
Arteta confirmed on Friday that Bruno is being assessed after suffering a knock against Aston Villa, while Cristhian Mosquera’s availability will also be determined following Saturday’s training session.
Jurrien Timber is in contention after returning to full training, while Ezri Konsa is also available for selection.
William Saliba, however, remains sidelined, with Arteta admitting that the club is still uncertain about how long the defender will be out.
“We don’t really know the amount of weeks he’s going to be out because it’s about a healing process and everything is a bit different – we know we have to respect certain timings,” Arteta said.
“The progression has been really positive in the last few weeks, but we need to wait and see how that one reacts when we start to put some load into it.”
Meanwhile, Alonso provided an encouraging update on Chelsea striker Emmanuel Emegha, who is yet to make his competitive debut for the club.
Emegha joined Chelsea from Strasbourg during the summer but suffered an injury during pre-season that has delayed his introduction to the first team.
Alonso believes the Netherlands international can become an important attacking option once he returns to full fitness.
“I see him playing on the last line, and when he has space he is a big threat,” Alonso said.
“He has been here for a few months and had an injury that meant he missed part of pre-season, unfortunately for him. But he’s young, and he has very special qualities.”
The Chelsea boss urged the young striker to remain patient as he works his way into the team.
“We hope that he feels better and he takes those steps so that he’s going to be more involved. Players that are young and come here need to be patient, but knowing that for sure they will have their opportunity.”
Sunday’s encounter will also see Alonso face Arteta, his former colleague and friend, for the first time in the Premier League.
Arteta said he had spoken with Alonso before the Spaniard took over at Stamford Bridge and described the prospect of facing each other as managers of two of England’s top clubs as a special experience.
Arsenal will host Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, with both managers expected to make final decisions on their respective fitness concerns after Saturday’s training sessions.
