Leeds United have made a solid start to the season with five points from their opening three Premier League games and will be in cup action on Wednesday night.
Daniel Farke’s side will travel to West London this week to take on Chelsea in the third round of the EFL Cup at Stamford Bridge as they look to progress in the domestic cup.
Chelsea beat Leeds in the FA Cup semi-final last season, and the Whites now have an opportunity to take revenge by knocking out the Blues early in the EFL Cup.
Xabi Alonso’s side lost 2-1 against Arsenal on Sunday, and the Chelsea boss has a major injury concern ahead of facing Leeds at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.
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Chelsea boss makes honest admission about injured star ahead of the Leeds game
Moises Caicedo has struggled with injuries at the start of the season and has already missed two of the opening three Premier League games for Chelsea.
He made a substitute appearance in the 4-3 win over Brighton, but was again out of the squad when Chelsea faced champions Arsenal on Sunday.
The Chelsea manager has insisted that Caicedo’s injury is not a long-term concern, but conceded that he probably rushed him back into action against Brighton.
He doesn’t want to make the same mistake and take unnecessary risks with the fitness of such an important player in the near future.
Alonso said after the defeat against Arsenal, when asked about Caicedo’s injury status: “No, not long-term, but it’s about assessing the risk.
“Probably last week we took him too early, and I don’t want to make the same mistake again.”
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Chelsea are unlikely to risk Caicedo in the EFL Cup against Leeds
Alonso’s admission about rushing back Caicedo this season has made it apparent that the South American midfielder won’t be risked against Leeds.
Chelsea have a big squad, and while they are light on midfield options, the manager will not take any risks with the midfielder’s fitness for an EFL Cup game.
Alonso is expected to rotate his side for the cup clash, which could give Leeds a real opportunity to spring a surprise when they travel to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.
Other than the FA Cup semi-final defeat, Leeds were not beaten by Chelsea in either league game last season.
