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Chelsea FC midfielder Moises Caicedo has been left out of the squad for their Premier League 2026-27 opener against Fulham FC, despite featuring prominently during pre-season. The Ecuador international’s absence comes as a surprise given his importance to the team and his remarkable availability last season. Xabi Alonso addressed the decision before kick-off, explaining why Caicedo was not considered for the London derby. Chelsea have also made several notable selections as Alonso names his first competitive Chelsea starting XI.
Why is Caicedo Not Playing For Chelsea FC vs Fulham FC?
Moises Caicedo has been excluded from Chelsea’s squad after suffering what Alonso described as a setback. The midfielder played 76 minutes in Chelsea’s final pre-season match, a 3-1 victory over Real Sociedad on August 15, but was not deemed ready to feature at Craven Cottage.
Alonso said the club did not want to take unnecessary risks with Caicedo or any other player affected by setbacks. The midfielder travelled to Craven Cottage but was ultimately left out of the matchday squad.
His absence is notable considering Caicedo featured in 55 matches across all competitions for Chelsea during the 2025-26 campaign. He also played at least 45 matches in each of the previous two seasons.
Chelsea Team News And Starting XI
Chelsea have welcomed Danny Welbeck back into contention after the forward managed a minor issue during pre-season. Enzo Fernandez has been named among the substitutes, while Caicedo is absent.
Romeo Lavia comes into the midfield, while Jorrel Hato features on the left side. Morgan Rogers is handed his Chelsea debut after joining from Aston Villa this summer.
Chelsea starting XI:
Goalkeeper: Robert Sanchez
Defenders: Josh Acheampong, Maxence Lacroix, Levi Colwill
Midfielders: Bad Taste, Reece James, Romeo Lavia, Jorrel Hato
Attackers: Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, Joao Pedro
Alonso’s decision to protect Caicedo means Chelsea avoid taking unnecessary risks with one of their key midfielders at the start of the new Premier League campaign.