Moises Caicedo, a regular, everyday starter and one of the best No. 6’s in the Premier League, was conspicuously absent from Chelsea’s lineup for their Premier League opener against Fulham on Monday. This was the final Matchweek 1 game, closing out the league’s initial slate, and nobody saw this coming from Xabi Alonso’s squad.
The Caicedo Mystery: He Was There, But Not Playing?
Moises Caicedo, Chelsea’s absolute midfield anchor, was straight up GONE from the starting XI. Let’s be real, this guy’s a regular, everyday starter, one of the best No. 6’s in the entire Premier League. So yeah, it was a massive shocker for the Blues’ faithful tuning in. Instead of Caicedo holding down the middle, Xabi Alonso rolled out Reece James and Romeo Lavia at the base of midfield. James even got pushed up, with Josh Acheampong stepping in at the back. Talk about some unexpected reshuffling for an opener! And get this, the biggest head-scratcher in this whole bizarre situation: Caicedo was *there*. He was spotted getting off the team bus at Craven Cottage with the rest of the squad for the London derby. He traveled, he was with the team, he was *at* the stadium, but he didn’t play a single minute. What in the world is going on with our midfield?!
Alonso’s Cryptic Hints and Another Shock Absence
When Xabi Alonso was asked about Caicedo’s baffling absence before the game, he was super vague. He mentioned “some minor setbacks” that the Blues had suffered during the week leading up to the match, hinting at a fitness concern. But come on, “minor setbacks” for one of your absolute best midfielders, a crucial No. 6, on opening day? That’s not exactly comforting for fans, even if he did suggest it wasn’t serious. It leaves you with more questions than answers. And just when you thought that was the only bombshell, there was another big shocker: Marco Palestra was also missing. This 21-year-old right-back was a new €57 million signing from Serie A’s Atalanta this offseason, and he had been seriously impressing everyone during the preseason friendlies against Real Sociedad and AC Milan. He was supposed to be a key new piece! We have to assume Palestra also caught one of those “minor setbacks” Alonso was talking about. Two key guys, one a big-money new signing with huge expectations, missing from the Premier League opener? That’s a rough way for Alonso to debut and kick off the season.
This whole situation leaves us all wondering what Chelsea’s squad will actually look like moving forward. With the Premier League season just kicked off, these “minor setbacks” for key players like Caicedo and Palestra are definitely something to keep a close eye on. We need these guys healthy and on the pitch! Fans will be desperate for real answers and a fully fit, consistent squad sooner rather than later to start building some real momentum.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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