League: EPL Sport: Soccer Country: England Category: Scores & Results

Moises Caicedo absent from Chelsea squad for EPL opener against Fulham

2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 24, 2026, 6:28 PM

Last updated Aug 24, 2026

Moises Caicedo absent from Chelsea squad for EPL opener against Fulham

Summary

Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo did not feature in the squad for the team's Premier League opener against Fulham on August 24, 2026. Coach Xabi Alonso confirmed the absence was due to a fitness concern, describing it as a minor setback. Caicedo had been a reliable starter but did not participate despite attending the match. Chelsea deployed Reece James and Romeo Lavia in his place during the game. Marco Palestra was also excluded from the lineup under similar circumstances.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Caicedo has been a regular starter for Chelsea's midfield.
•Xabi Alonso hinted at a minor fitness issue affecting Caicedo and Palestra.
•Chelsea's season opener against Fulham is on August 24, 2026.
•Reece James and Romeo Lavia took over midfield roles in Caicedo's absence.
•Both Caicedo and Palestra were seen at Craven Cottage.

Latest Updates

6:28 PMYahoo Sports — Where is Moises Caicedo? Chelsea midfielder absent from Blues squad to face Fulham in Premier League opener
6:21 PMYahoo Sports — Why is Moises Caicedo not playing for Chelsea in season opener vs. Fulham?

What they're saying

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The final matchup of the Premier League's opening weekend saw two former Real Madrid managers take charge of the teams, as Xabi Alonso of Chelsea and Alvaro Arbeloa of Fulham both debuted for their English clubs.
— Yahoo Sports