Chelsea handed 'optimistic' Moises Caicedo return date as Mauricio Pochettino plans strongest XI
Chelsea could be set to receive a huge boost to their midfield as £115m summer signing Moises Caicedo is optimistic that his knee injury isn't as serious as previously thought. The 21-year-old missed the 0-0 draw against Bournemouth over the weekend after picking up the knock over the international break.
Caicedo helped Ecuador to a 2-1 win over Uruguay alongside Blues youngster Kendry Paez but couldn't get them past World Cup holders Argentina against which they lost 1-0. Having played 90 minutes in both matches over the two weeks, Caicedo was likely due a rest period anyway but returned to England with a strapped knee — something which had been spotted in his training sessions while in South America.
Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino was initially hopeful before the match that he'd be fully fit but eventually decided to omit the star from the matchday squad entirely — a decision that now looks to have been the correct one given his proposed availability for Aston Villa this weekend.
According to reports, the 21-year-old believes he'll be ready for the tough test against Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon, a clash that the Blues will be desperate to come out on top in. It's been a tough start to the season for Pochettino's side, who have taken just five points from their opening five matches.
Unai Emery's Villa, on the other hand, have massively bounced back from the opening weekend disaster against Newcastle United and have won three of their last four coming into this weekend. Ahead of the clash, Pochettino highlighted the constant issues his side have had to face over the start of his tenure, pointing out Caicedo as a key piece that was missing from the team in the Bournemouth draw.
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