Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has shed light on the fitness issues affecting midfielder Moises Caicedo and provided a fresh update on Jordan Henderson's road back to full fitness, while also addressing the status of young Ecuadorian winger Kendry Paez.
Speaking ahead of Chelsea's upcoming fixture, Alonso explained that Caicedo's absence stems from a recurring calf issue rather than a new setback. The Ecuadorian midfielder had previously struggled with the same problem before Chelsea's clash with Brighton, and the manager admitted he may have rushed the player back into action too soon.
"He has a problem in his calf," Alonso said of Caicedo. "No [it is not a new injury]. It was the same one he had before Brighton. I wanted to have Moi [for that game]. Probably it was my mistake to push him too early, so that's why I'm cautious now not to make the same mistake."
The comments suggest Alonso is taking a more measured approach with Caicedo's recovery this time around, wary of repeating what he views as an error in judgment regarding the player's return timeline.
On the Henderson front, the veteran midfielder continues his long road to recovery following a bizarre injury sustained during England's 3-2 victory over Mexico at the Estadio Azteca during the World Cup in July. The 36-year-old suffered the setback after awkwardly falling while climbing over an advertising hoarding, an incident that required subsequent wrist surgery. Henderson has not featured for either Chelsea or the England national team since that day, with his arm still not fully healed.
Despite his enforced absence from playing duties, Alonso revealed that the Champions League winner has remained heavily involved with the squad, traveling with the team to matches despite being unable to contribute on the pitch.
Asked whether Henderson has had opportunities to display his renowned leadership qualities during this period, or whether his focus has been solely on rehabilitation, Alonso indicated it has been a combination of both.
"Both, he has been very close to the team," the Chelsea boss said. "Even being injured, he has been travelling with us [to games]. I know that he likes and he needs to have this connection with the team, to have this impact on the pitch and off the pitch."
Alonso added that while Henderson's training sessions have gone well, the slow pace of his recovery has proven frustrating for the experienced midfielder.
"He has been training very well, but still it is frustrating for him that, even being the arm, it is taking that long," Alonso explained. "I think he is in the last stage of his recovery."
The Spanish coach also touched on Chelsea's academy prospects ahead of the club's home game against Leeds United, confirming that some youth players would be included in the matchday squad for that fixture.
However, when questioned specifically about Kendry Paez, the 19-year-old winger who remained at Stamford Bridge over the summer transfer window rather than departing on loan, Alonso was clear that the youngster does not currently factor into his first-team planning.
"At the moment, he is not part of the first-team squad," Alonso stated regarding Paez. "No, he is not in our plans."
The update leaves Chelsea supporters with a clearer picture of the club's current injury situation as Alonso continues to navigate squad rotation and player management through a demanding fixture schedule.
Based on reporting from Standard Football.