Moises Caicedo Misses Chelsea Premier League Opener Against Fulham

Ecuadorean midfielder Moisés Caicedo was left out of Chelsea's squad for their Premier League opening match against Fulham on Monday, August 24, 2026, after suffering physical setbacks during week preparations, according to head coach Xabi Alonso. Although Caicedo traveled with the squad to Craven Cottage, he was completely omitted from the official matchday roster and did not feature on the substitutes' bench for the London derby. Speaking to Sky Sports prior to kickoff, Alonso explained the medical status of his key midfielder alongside team teammate Marco Palestra.

"Some setbacks," said Xabi Alonso, Head Coach of Chelsea.

The Spanish manager emphasized that the club opted not to risk either player in order to prevent minor discomforts from escalating into severe long-term injuries early in the season. Caicedo was expected to serve as a pivotal centerpiece in Alonso's tactical system, providing defensive stability, covering space, and ball recovery capabilities in the center of the pitch.

Chelsea has not issued a specific medical diagnosis or established an estimated recovery timeline for Caicedo's return to competitive action.