Chelsea spark Moises Caicedo injury fear ahead of Aston Villa clash after Bournemouth absence
Chelsea fans have been left fearing the worst regarding Moises Caicedo's fitness after he was not spotted in pictures from training this week. Mauricio Pochettino is preparing his squad for a huge Premier League fixture against Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge this weekend.
The Blues boss confirmed that Moises Caicedo and Noni Madueke returned from international duty with issues, while Marc Cucurella missed out on the squad at the weekend due to a fever. The likes of Reece James and Christopher Nkunku remain sidelined with injuries and are expected to return later this year.
Cucurella and Madueke have now returned to training, while there also remains anticipation over the possible returns of Badiashile and Armando Broja this week. The Albanian striker is set to play for Chelsea's junior teams as he builds up his match fitness before being involved with the senior squad once again.
However, there is panic among supporters after Caicedo was not spotted in the pictures from training on Thursday. It is unclear whether the Ecuadorian midfielder was involved and just wasn't picture — but there is yet be any confirmation from the club that Caicedo took part in preparations ahead of the game against Villa.
Malo Gusto, Mykhailo Mudryk, Levi Colwill, Axel Disasi and Madueke were all pictured along with Enzo Fernandez. Lesley Ugochukwu performed well against Bournemouth in Caicedo's absence and it looks increasingly likely that the Frenchman will continue on in midfield if the £115million signing is ruled out with his ongoing issue.
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE — Reece James swap, Moukoko bid, Toney offer, Nkunku return
Mauricio Pochettino patience to be tested with one Chelsea star with Aston Villa reality evident
Romeo Lavia
Read on football.london
