Enzo Maresca Gives Injury Update on Moisés Caicedo After Chelsea’s Club World Cup Win
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca hopes Moisés Caicedo will recover in time for Sunday’s Club World Cup final after the midfielder twisted his ankle late in the 2-0 win over Fluminense.
Chelsea may be without key midfielder Moisés Caicedo in Sunday’s Club World Cup final after he picked up a late ankle injury during their 2-0 win over Fluminense.
The Ecuador international twisted his left ankle in stoppage time at the MetLife Stadium and was clearly in discomfort. After receiving treatment on the pitch, he briefly returned to play but was unable to continue and hobbled off before the final whistle.
Speaking after the match, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca gave an update on the injury and revealed he tried to prevent Caicedo from worsening the issue. “Moisés twisted his ankle,” Maresca said. “There were just two or three minutes to go, so I told him we could finish the game with 10 players — the important thing was to not make it worse.”
Despite Caicedo’s effort to carry on, Maresca admitted the midfielder felt pain and could not continue. “He tried, but he felt pain. Hopefully, he can be fit on Sunday. We’ll see,” the Chelsea manager added.
The 23-year-old was later seen with ice strapped to his ankle after the game and looked visibly uncomfortable. His absence would be a big blow for the Blues as they prepare to face either Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain in the final.
In a separate interview with DAZN, Maresca stressed the importance of the upcoming game. “I told him he has to do everything to be on the pitch on Sunday — so we’ll see.”
Despite the concern, Caicedo offered a positive update via his Instagram story, writing: “See you on Sunday, Blues.” This could be a sign that the injury isn’t as serious as first feared.
Caicedo has been a consistent presence in Chelsea’s midfield this season following his £115 million transfer from Brighton, and his energy and ball-winning skills were on display once again during the semi-final. He helped Chelsea maintain control in midfield before being forced off near the end of the match.
The Blues sealed their place in the final thanks to two goals from new signing Joao Pedro, who stepped up in the absence of suspended striker Liam Delap. Pedro’s brace ensured Chelsea’s 2-0 victory and a shot at lifting the Club World Cup trophy on Sunday.
