By OkayGoal
Arsenal’s clash with Chelsea on Sunday has been handed an added layer of intrigue with the Blues star midfielder Moises Caicedo being doubtful after his availability being down to outcome of one final Chelsea training session before Xabi Alonso names his squad for the game.
Caicedo injury ahead of Arsenal game
The Ecuadorian midfielder picked up a knock against Brighton last weekend. He came off the bench for Romeo Lavia only to be subbed off just 13 minutes later while he was quite frustrated as he made his way straight down the tunnel.
Alonso later admitted that the issue appeared to be an aggravation of a previous problem that the former Brighton man. But Alonso was quite careful not to make too much of it when he was quizzed about it in the press conference ahead of the game on Friday. While remaining smartly lipped simply he stated that Chelsea would check on his condition in the final session before deciding if he makes the trip to North London.
Alonso speaking in his pre-press to Arsenal game on Caicedo injury: “We need to not worry about the things that happen. We will make the final decision tomorrow.”
Advantage Arsenal?
For Arsenal, there is a natural temptation to look at his injury progress with a keen eye given that he has been arguably Chelsea’s most important midfield presence in recent seasons.
With Enzo Fernandez having departed for Manchester City, Alonso is currently down to only four recognised central midfielders in Caicedo, Lavia, Valentin Barco and Jordan Henderson. Even if he was quick to insist there remains enough quality and competitiveness in his roster regardless of who is missing, not having Moises will be a big blow for them.
Arteta’s side will know only too well how much of a battle the midfield battle at the Emirates can become against a Chelsea side setup to compete physically (especially given how the Blues have been practicing the rugby-way to compete with the physical side of the Gunners). And Caicedo’s energy and range in that area of the pitch would be a considerable miss if he doesn’t make the squad for Chelsea.
Bolsas de rugby viraram ferramentas de treino no Chelsea para conter o poder físico do Arsenal.
O técnico Xabi Alonso identificou que sua equipe precisa de uma evolução drástica na intensidade para o clássico deste domingo. pic.twitter.com/z0Qj8m5Gbo— Luiz Carlos Largo (@LARGOESPN) September 4, 2026
Losing him alongside Fernandez’s exit would leave Alonso relying heavily on Henderson’s experience and Lavia’s legs to hold things together against a title winning side full of confidence.
Nothing will be confirmed until Chelsea’s final session concludes and Alonso has made clear he has no intention of overstating the situation publicly before then.
For Gooners though, keeping an eye on Chelsea’s team news before kickoff feels more worthwhile than usual this week, given just how much rests on one player’s late fitness call.