Chelsea will return to Premier League action on Saturday sitting third in the table, despite being heavily impacted by injuries this season.
Key players including Cole Palmer, Levi Colwill, Romeo Lavia, and Liam Delap are unavailable for the trip to Turf Moor.
Midfielder Moisés Caicedo has emerged as a crucial figure for Chelsea this season, and he is poised for a contract extension.
He has contributed both defensively and offensively, adding goals and controlling the midfield with exceptional consistency.
Yaya Touré, a former Manchester City star, has praised Caicedo’s performances, saying:
“Another one again I’ve been really impressed with is Caicedo. Liverpool vs Chelsea, incredible goal, the area he covers, his movement, his passing, he’s got all of that and I think he’s a brilliant player.”
Caicedo’s all-around game and work rate have made him arguably one of the most complete midfielders in the league.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has acknowledged that Caicedo is not at full fitness following the Club World Cup and a heavy workload earlier in the campaign.
The midfielder played 180 minutes during the international break for Ecuador, prompting some fans to call for him to be rested.
There is a growing argument that Caicedo should be managed carefully against Burnley ahead of bigger fixtures, including a Champions League match against Barcelona and a Premier League clash with Arsenal.
With several key players sidelined, Maresca must rely on other squad members to step up.
Cole Palmer will remain out for the Turf Moor game, while Levi Colwill, Romeo Lavia, and Liam Delap are still recovering from injuries.
Despite these absences, Chelsea have maintained a strong position in the league, thanks in part to Caicedo’s leadership and performances.
Chelsea face a critical schedule in the coming weeks, and managing player fitness will be essential.
Caicedo’s ability to influence matches could prove decisive, especially with title contention and Champions League ambitions in focus.
His all-round quality, resilience, and experience make him indispensable in the current injury-hit campaign.
The post Chelsea Face Burnley on Saturday Without Key Players as Caicedo Impresses appeared first on Gooner Daily.
