During the FIFA Club World Cup Semi-Final between Chelsea and Fluminense. Chelsea were looking sharp from the very first moment of the game. After just 18 minutes in the first half, João Pedro scored an amazing goal from outside the box to give Chelsea the lead. Then he went on to score another goal in the second half. The Blues were in a Comfortable lead minutes before the final whistle, and then suddenly, Moises Caicedo’s injury, and everything changed. He went in for what looked like a normal midfield tackle, but as soon as he hit the ground, something was off. He twisted his left ankle while challenging for the ball.
He stayed down a bit too long, and you could see it on his face—it wasn’t the kind of pain you walk off. The physios came in fast, and Caicedo tried to get back up. Took a few steps but was unable to continue and went off the pitch in pain.
Aftermath of Moises Caicedo Injury
The 23-year-old went off in the Final Minutes of the game, and as soon as he went off, something changed for Fluminense. They were able to find passes and create chances more effectively.
With Enzo Fernández still getting back to full sharpness and Lavia barely playing yet, Caicedo’s role was massive in this one. He’s the one who covers gaps, breaks things up, and lets others do their thing. Without him, Chelsea looked a little lost.
Moses Caicedo Injury Update
There is no official update at the moment on how bad the Moises Caicedo injury is. Word is he’s getting a scan done soon, maybe within a day or two. Enzo Maresca told the media that he is counting on Caicedo to play on Sunday, but he is not sure yet about the Injury.
Some reports say maybe a slight ligament issue, but it’s all speculation at this point. According to the manager, Caicedo wanted to continue playing, but the pain was too much for him to play on.
Who Can Fill the Gap?
If Caicedo can’t make the final, Maresca’s gonna have to shuffle things around. There are not many players in the Chelsea squad who can fill Caicedo’s shoes, but Andrey Santos or Drewsbury-Hall could get a chance to start in the final.
Both of them have been an option for Chelsea in the midfield throughout the competition. But None of them is Caicedo, though. It will be difficult to replace that kind of defensive brain.
Facing PSG in the Final
In the other Semi Final between PSG and Real Madrid. PSG came out on top with an easy 4-0 victory over Real Madrid. PSG is a great attacking team and relies heavily on pressing up front. The Ballon d’Or favorite, Ousmane Dembele, has been exceptional with his relentless pressing for PSG.
For Chelsea, it might be the worst time, losing a player with strong defensive ability like Caicedo just before the final against a team like PSG. Caicedo could have been the guy who stops PSG’s counterattack and slows down the game. Even break PSG’s rhythm.
Now, Chelsea might be in trouble. The Champions League winners, PSG, won’t make it easy for them. With Caicedo in doubt, it might be twice as hard.
Final Thoughts
This whole thing just feels unlucky. Caicedo had started to settle in, showing why Chelsea paid so much. Not flashy, not loud, but you could feel his absence when he is not there on the pitch. Now everyone’s hoping the scan comes back clean. If not, Maresca’s got a serious headache—and Chelsea might have to fight this final with a missing piece right in the middle.
As featured on Chelseanews.com
