Chelsea monitor Moises Caicedo after midfielder leaves Brighton win early

Chelsea are assessing Moises Caicedo after the Ecuador midfielder was forced off shortly after coming on during their dramatic 4-3 victory over Brighton in the second round of the Premier League on Sunday.

Caicedo was introduced in the second half but spent only a short time on the pitch before leaving after suffering a knock. Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso said the club hoped the problem was not a fresh injury or a more serious recurrence of his previous issue.

“We hope it is not a new injury and that it is not more serious than the previous one,” Alonso said after the match, according to Tribuna.

The former Bayer Leverkusen manager added that Caicedo had made the decision to stop because he did not feel completely comfortable.

“He was cautious and decided to stop. He was not feeling his best, but we have to assess his condition,” Alonso said.

Alonso later reiterated that the incident did not appear to be worse than Caicedo’s earlier problem.

“It was not more than the previous one. He was cautious. He was not feeling his best. It was not something new,” he said.

No further details about Caicedo’s condition were provided immediately after the match. His availability will be assessed before Chelsea’s next fixture.

Martinez makes strong Chelsea debut

Alonso was also pleased with the first appearance of new goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who made his debut for Chelsea in the victory against Brighton.

The Argentina international impressed his new manager, who praised the personality and presence he brought to the team.

“I am happy with his first impact. He has this charisma and aura that helps him communicate with the rest of the team,” Alonso said.

The Chelsea boss revealed that he had spoken to Martinez on Saturday to discuss the match and said the goalkeeper had already felt prepared for his first outing.

“I spoke with him yesterday and we discussed the game. He felt ready. I do not need to tell him many things for him to perform well,” Alonso said.

“He wanted to keep a clean sheet, but I was happy with his first impact.”

Alonso non-committal on Neto future

Alonso would not confirm whether Pedro Neto would remain a Chelsea player after the summer 2026 transfer window closes.

Neto has recently been linked with a move to Manchester City and Al-Hilal, with the Saudi Arabian club reported to have shown particular interest in signing the Portugal international.

Despite refusing to guarantee the winger’s future, Alonso said he had been pleased with Neto’s contribution against Brighton and described him as an important player for the campaign ahead.

“In football, I do not guarantee anything. I was happy with Pedro’s performance. He played with a lot of energy and he will be very important this season,” Alonso said.