Chelsea will be without Moises Caicedo when they host Hull City at Stamford Bridge this afternoon, with the midfielder still recovering from an injury sustained before the season opener against Fulham.
The Ecuador international has yet to start a game for the Blues this season. He was named on the bench against Brighton and came on in the second half against his former club, only to be forced off 14 minutes later after aggravating the injury. He also missed last weekend's match against Arsenal.
Alonso confirms Caicedo absence
Head coach Xabi Alonso confirmed on Friday that Caicedo will not be in the squad for today's game, with next weekend's trip to Brentford a possible return date. Chelsea are also without Jordan Henderson, who is still working his way back from the wrist injury suffered while on England duty at the World Cup. Summer signing Marco Palestra is also unavailable.
Predicted Chelsea XI
Romeo Lavia has started the season impressively but has lacked a regular midfield partner in Caicedo's absence. Reece James is likely to continue in that midfield role, having started in the middle of the park against Arsenal last time out. Levi Colwill was an unused substitute at the Emirates and returned to the team for the Carabao Cup clash against Leeds United midweek, going off after 76 minutes and heading straight down the tunnel, though Alonso eased fears over any fresh injury issue for the 23-year-old.
Kick-off and coverage
The Premier League match kicks off at 3pm this afternoon. Due to the kick-off slot, the game will not be broadcast live in the UK, but Metro's live matchday blog will provide full coverage.
