Chelsea faces a midfield crisis with Moises Caicedo suspended and key players Romeo Lavia and Levi Colwill still injured, placing immense pressure on Enzo Maresca’s squad depth.
Chelsea is confronting a significant tactical puzzle after a deepening injury crisis was compounded by a key suspension ahead of a demanding December schedule.
According to a report from EPL Index, the Blues will be without midfielder Moises Caicedo for three domestic matches after he received a red card for a dangerous tackle following a VAR review in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal.
Caicedo, who was dismissed for serious foul play, will miss the trips to Leeds and Bournemouth on December 6, and the visit of Everton on December 13, though he remains eligible for the Champions League match against Atalanta on December 9.
The suspension arrives as key midfield cover remains unavailable. Romeo Lavia’s Chelsea career has been plagued by setbacks since his £53 million arrival in summer 2023, managing just 29 appearances.
His latest problem is a quadriceps issue sustained on November 5 against Qarabag. Manager Enzo Maresca stated, “We feel a shame for him, especially for him…
He’s not able to be fit for a long, long period… I think it’s his quad.” Lavia’s potential return date is currently penciled in for December.
Meanwhile, long-term absentee Levi Colwill remains out, having suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in August, with a return expected in Spring or summer 2026.
There was a small boost as Dario Essugo resumed training well ahead of his initial late 2025 or early 2026 projection after a thigh injury, and Captain Reece James and Cole Palmer both offered positive signs of recovery at the weekend.