Moises Caicedo Injury Boosts Chelsea for CWC Final

Moises Caicedo injury worries look firmly in the rear-view mirror as Chelsea confirmed the Ecuadorian midfielder is “100 per cent ready” to face Paris Saint-Germain in Sunday’s FIFA Club World Cup showpiece in New Jersey.

Moises Caicedo injury update ahead of PSG clash

Caicedo limped off late in Tuesday’s 2-0 semi-final win over Fluminense after an awkward landing on his right ankle. Initial scans sparked fears of ligament damage, yet the 22-year-old surprised the medical staff by returning to light training within 48 hours. Mauricio Pochettino revealed that subsequent assessments showed only minor bruising, clearing the club-record signing for full contact drills on Friday.

Why Caicedo’s presence matters

The former Brighton star has rapidly become the fulcrum of Chelsea’s midfield, averaging 6.1 ball recoveries and 91 per cent passing accuracy per match in the competition. Against a PSG engine room featuring Vitinha and Manuel Ugarte, his ability to shield the back four and launch quick transitions will be vital.

Pochettino’s tactical options widen

With Caicedo available, Pochettino can maintain his preferred double pivot alongside Enzo Fernández, freeing Conor Gallagher to press higher. Should the ankle flare up, academy graduate Lesley Ugochukwu is on standby, yet the manager insisted, “Moises trained without restrictions and feels no pain.”

PSG wary of strengthened Blues

Luis Enrique has reportedly adjusted his match plan, instructing Marco Asensio and Ousmane Dembélé to exploit the half-spaces behind Caicedo to test his lateral mobility. The French champions are also monitoring Kylian Mbappé’s slight groin strain, though the forward is expected to start.

Opinion: Caicedo’s swift recovery not only underlines his resilience but also highlights Chelsea’s improved sports-science setup. If the Ecuadorian controls midfield on Sunday, the Blues could be lifting their second Club World Cup in three years.