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Three Chelsea Games Moises Caicedo Will Miss After ‘Nasty’ Moment Vs Arsenal
Moises Caicedo endured a moment of madness during Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.
The midfielder has been one of the Premier League’s top performers this term and was expected to play a big role in the London derby at Stamford Bridge, but faced an early dismissal.
Caicedo played just 38 minutes before a reckless challenge caught Arsenal’s Mikel Merino on the top of the foot. Both players hit the deck with the Chelsea midfielder himself appearing to be in some discomfort. After getting back to his feet, Caicedo was handed a yellow card by Anthony Taylor, before VAR intervened and upgraded the decision to a red card.
As a result of a challenge described on Sky Sports as ‘nasty’, Enzo Maresca’s side were reduced to 10 men, but still managed to earn a point against the table-topping Gunners.
Moises Caicedo Facing Three-Match Ban
As a result of being handed a straight red card, Caicedo is facing a suspension from Premier League fixtures. It means that the Chelsea star will miss the next three Blues’ fixtures.
Those fixtures include the trip to face Leeds United at Elland Road on Wednesday evening, a home clash with Bournemouth on Saturday, December 6 and finally a home clash with Everton on Saturday, December 13.
It means that Caicedo will be available to feature for the EFL Cup clash with Cardiff City on Tuesday, December 16, before the trip to Newcastle United that weekend.
Who Replaces Caicedo For Chelsea?
There’s no doubting that the loss of Caicedo is a huge blow for Chelsea. The Ecuadorian midfielder has been one of the best in the Premier League this term and there’s no doubt that his absence will be felt in Enzo Maresca’s squad.
That said, they will likely be okay based on what we saw against Arsenal.
Reece James put in a stunning performance in central midfield, while Enzo Fernandez was able to put in a much more disciplined performance in the middle of the park once Chelsea went down to 10 men. Not only did they do a job, but they were good value for a point against the Gunners and could arguably have won the game.
Fixtures against Leeds, Bournemouth and Everton are fairly easy-going for Chelsea and it’s likely that Maresca’s side will have enough quality to get through those games with their title charge still intact.
Once he’s back, Caicedo will be fit and ready to go for the Christmas period and will be hoping to make the error up to his teammates.
Moises Caicedo Red Card: Ex-PGMOL Chief Gives Verdict on Chelsea vs Arsenal Decision
The Ecuadorian was sent off for ‘serious foul play’.
