Chelsea received a significant boost ahead of their Club World Cup final clash against Paris Saint-Germain, as Moises Caicedo returned to full training on Thursday. The Ecuadorian midfielder, who suffered a knock in Chelsea’s 2-0 semi-final win over Fluminense, could now be available for Sunday’s high-stakes showdown in New Jersey.
Chelsea’s Path to the Final
The Blues secured their spot in the final thanks to a João Pedro brace on his full debut, showcasing the squad’s depth under Enzo Maresca. However, their toughest test awaits—a PSG side that demolished Real Madrid 4-0 in their semi-final, just weeks after crushing Inter Milan in the Champions League final.
Caicedo’s Injury Scare & Recovery
Caicedo’s fitness had been in doubt after he required on-pitch treatment during the Fluminense match. Despite attempting to play through the pain, he was eventually substituted late in the game.
Maresca provided an optimistic update post-match:
“When it happened, I told him we could finish with 10 men to avoid worsening the injury. But he wanted to try—unfortunately, the pain persisted. Hopefully, he’ll be ready for Sunday.”
The 23-year-old’s participation in Thursday’s session suggests he has avoided serious damage, giving Chelsea a major lift ahead of facing PSG’s star-studded midfield.
The Ultimate Midfield Battle: Caicedo vs. PSG’s Elite
If fit, Caicedo will be crucial in containing PSG’s dominant trio—João Neves, Vitinha, and Fabián Ruiz—who orchestrated their demolition of Real Madrid.
Despite his £115 million price tag, Caicedo remains humble about his standing among the world’s best:
“I want to be recognized as one of the top midfielders, but I’m not there yet. Games like this are where I can prove myself.”
His ability to break up play and launch counterattacks could be pivotal against PSG’s relentless possession-based approach.
Why This Final Matters for Chelsea
Winning the Club World Cup would cap off a transformative season under Maresca, reinforcing Chelsea’s status among Europe’s elite. With PSG in rampant form, the Blues will need Caicedo at his best to neutralize their attacking threats.
Final Thoughts
Caicedo’s potential return is a game-changer for Chelsea. His energy and defensive discipline could be the difference in stopping PSG’s midfield machine.
For more updates on Chelsea’s preparations, visit BBC Sport or Sky Sports.
