Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Moises Caicedo will start for Chelsea against Leicester City, despite the risk of suspension. The midfielder has accumulated nine yellow cards this season, meaning one more would result in a two-match ban.
Chelsea, fresh from a 1-0 UEFA Conference League win over FC Copenhagen, return to Premier League action on Sunday. They currently sit fifth but have won just three of their last 11 games, making a win crucial for their Champions League hopes.
Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Leicester have been struggling, with only three wins in their last 16 matches. Many expect Chelsea to win comfortably, but they face a tough schedule ahead, including the second leg against Copenhagen, Arsenal, and Tottenham.
Some believed Maresca would rest Caicedo to ensure his availability for the upcoming London derbies, but the Italian dismissed the idea. “We need to win games, so we cannot plan around resting Moi for Arsenal,” Maresca said in his pre-match press conference.
Since his £97 million move from Brighton, Caicedo has become an essential part of Chelsea’s midfield. However, his aggressive style has made him a frequent recipient of yellow cards, with 25 in his last 79 matches, among the most in the league.
Maresca is not worried about a potential suspension, saying it’s common for midfielders to pick up bookings. “Hopefully, he avoids it, but if not, we have options like Romeo Lavia, who has started training with us again,” he explained.
He also suggested tactical flexibility, hinting that Reece James could play in midfield if needed. With key matches approaching, Chelsea must carefully balance squad rotation while maintaining their push for a top-four finish.
Caicedo’s availability for Arsenal and Tottenham remains uncertain, but Maresca’s decision signals Chelsea’s priority: securing three points against Leicester before thinking ahead.