Moises Caicedo is missing for Chelsea against Brentford today because he has not yet fully recovered from a calf injury. Caicedo suffered the calf setback when he limped off just 14 minutes into his substitute appearance against Brighton & Hove Albion last month.

Hence, he is not even an option for the bench. Caicedo has already missed the games against Arsenal, Leeds United, and Hull City. After this game, there is a FIFA international window that will allow him to recover properly.

When is Caicedo coming back?

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso noted that the midfielder is getting closer to a return to full fitness. Still, the club chose not to rush him or take unnecessary risks for the trip to the G-Tech Community Stadium. Hence, he is likely to return after the international window.

Caicedo is widely regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world, but he has suffered a lot in recent times with injuries. Now, the fact is he needs to fully recover so he doesn’t suffer any setbacks.

Chelsea’s lineup vs Brentford

Xabi Alonso will use his 3-4-2-1 formation. To replace Caicedo, he will employ veteran Jordan Henderson. Hence, it’s a change from the dynamism and strength of Caicedo to the composure and experience of Henderson.

This is the lineup: Dibu Martinez; Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Maxence Lacroix; Pep Chavarria, Jordan Henderson, Valentin Barco, Pedro Neto; Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer; Danny Welbeck.

Moi is still recovering from a calf injury, which is why he was also unavailable against the Gunners on Matchday 3. “Let’s see for Brentford [next week],” Alonso revealed when asked about the Ecuadorian midfielder’s immediate future.

The London side needs to return to winning ways quickly in order to move back into the leading positions. After three matches, Chelsea have picked up two wins and one defeat, scoring eight goals and conceding seven.

Chelsea face more absences

Caicedo will not be the only player unavailable to Xabi Alonso for this match against the Tigers. According to journalist Fabrizio Romano on X, Marco Palestra, Jordan Henderson, and Emmanuel Emegha will also be absent, with the manager himself hoping to have them back for the clash against Brentford as well.

Chelsea’s confirmed lineup

Chelsea cannot afford to drop three crucial points in their bid to catch Manchester City and Arsenal at the top of the Premier League, which is why the manager is set to field this starting XI against Hull City, who currently have seven points.

Emiliano Martinez; Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill, Malo Gusto, Reece James; Pedro Neto, Romeo Lavia, Jorrel Hato; Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro.

How to watch Chelsea vs Leeds United in the USA

Chelsea vs Leeds United will be available to stream live in the United States on Paramount+.

Can I watch Chelsea vs Leeds United for free?

There is no free legal way to watch Chelsea vs Leeds United live in the United States. The EFL Cup fixture is available through Paramount+, and there is no free-to-air U.S. broadcast scheduled for the game.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Chelsea and Leeds United meet at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, September 9, in the third round of the 2026-27 EFL Cup, with a place in the next round on the line.

The tie comes just three days after Chelsea’s 2-1 Premier League defeat to Arsenal, their first loss of the campaign, while Leeds arrive unbeaten under Daniel Farke. For Chelsea, the EFL Cup represents an important opportunity to bounce back quickly and begin Xabi Alonso‘s tenure with a meaningful cup run.

The Blues advanced past Luton Town in the second round and currently sit fourth in the Premier League, three points behind the joint leaders after the Arsenal loss. With Chelsea not involved in European competition this season, the Carabao Cup is also one of the team’s clearest routes to silverware.

Leeds, meanwhile, have plenty of confidence heading to west London. Farke’s side has made an unbeaten start to the Premier League campaign, and the Whites also produced a statement result against Chelsea last season, winning 3-1 at Elland Road.

What time is the Chelsea vs Leeds United match?

The Chelsea vs Leeds United match kicks off on Wednesday, September 9, at 3:00 PM ET. The game is scheduled for 8:00 PM BST at Stamford Bridge, which converts to the following U.S. start times:

• Eastern Time: 3:00 PM
• Central Time: 2:00 PM
• Mountain Time: 1:00 PM
• Pacific Time: 12:00 PM

Journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed through his X account that Levi Colwill will take his place on the bench. Both Chelsea and the Gunners will be looking for their third consecutive win in the competition.

These are the 11 players the manager will field at the Emirates Stadium: Emiliano Martinez; Josh Acheampong, Maxence Lacroix, Wesley Fofana; Pedro Neto, Reece James, Romeo Lavia, Jorrel Hato; Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer, João Pedro.

What injury is Caicedo dealing with?

Moi Caicedo has been dealing with a recurring physical setback that originally kept him out of Chelsea’s season openers against Fulham and Luton. He managed to make his return as a substitute against Brighton on Sunday, August 30th, but he had to be subbed off after just 14 minutes when the issue flared back up.

While Chelsea hasn’t disclosed the exact nature of the injury, manager Xabi Alonso noted it wasn’t a new problem, and after failing a late fitness test, Caicedo was ultimately ruled out of today’s clash against Arsenal.

What’s next for Chelsea beyond Arsenal?

Facing Arsenal away from home could mean a high-risk matchup where anything can happen. However, beyond this crucial game, Alonso’s Chelsea have a series of matches ahead in which they will have to keep moving forward to maintain their title ambitions, not only in the 2026-27 Premier League but also in other competitions.

• vs Leeds United, September 9 (Carabao Cup)
• vs Hull City, September 12 (Matchday 4 – EPL)
• at Brentford, September 18 (Matchday 5 – EPL)
• vs Bournemouth, October 10 (Matchday 6 – EPL)
• at Everton, October 17 (Matchday 7 – EPL)

How to watch Arsenal vs Chelsea in the USA

Arsenal vs Chelsea will be available live in the United States on USA Network and Telemundo. For streaming, the Premier League matchup can be watched through Fubo.

Can I watch Arsenal vs Chelsea for free?

Fubo is currently advertising a 5-day free-trial option for Arsenal vs Chelsea, with its match page showing the game on Telemundo and an option to “Try for free – cancel anytime”.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Arsenal and Chelsea both have six points from their opening two Premier League matches, making this one of the earliest tests of the season for two clubs with ambitions near the top of the table.

Arsenal, the reigning champions, have beaten Coventry City and Aston Villa without conceding, while Chelsea opened with wins over Fulham and Brighton. A victory at the Emirates would put either side on nine points and provide an important early statement in the title race.

The matchup is particularly intriguing because of the contrast in the teams’ starts. Arsenal have combined four goals with two clean sheets, while Chelsea have produced a much more open attack, scoring seven goals in their first two league games.

Xabi Alonso has therefore made an immediate impact at Chelsea, but the trip to Arsenal represents a significantly stronger test of whether the Blues are ready to challenge the established contenders. The Premier League itself has identified that question as one of the key storylines of Matchweek 3.

There is also a major tactical storyline on the touchline. Mikel Arteta and Alonso will meet in a competitive Premier League match for the first time, despite their long-standing friendship from their days in Spain.

Alonso inherited a Chelsea side that finished 10th last season and has introduced a different approach, while Arteta is trying to keep Arsenal at the top after winning the 2025-26 Premier League title.

What time is the Arsenal vs Chelsea match?

The match kicks off on Sunday, September 6, at 11:30 AM ET. For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

• Eastern Time: 11:30 AM
• Central Time: 10:30 AM
• Mountain Time: 9:30 AM
• Pacific Time: 8:30 AM

How to watch Chelsea vs Luton Town in the USA

Chelsea vs Luton Town will be available to stream live on Paramount+ in the United States. There is no separate traditional U.S. television channel listed for this particular Chelsea-Luton game.

Can I watch Chelsea vs Luton Town for free?

No, there is currently no free way to watch Chelsea vs Luton Town legally in the United States. The Carabao Cup second-round match is listed as a Paramount+ event, meaning a paid subscription is required to access the live stream.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Chelsea begin their 2026-27 Carabao Cup campaign against Luton Town at Stamford Bridge, with the Blues entering the competition in the second round. It is an important opportunity for Xabi Alonso to start his first cup run in charge of Chelsea and continue the positive momentum from the team’s opening Premier League victory.

Chelsea beat Fulham 3-2 on Monday, with new signing Morgan Rogers scoring on his competitive debut alongside goals from Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer. The fixture also gives them a chance to make an early statement in a competition they have won five times, although their most recent League Cup triumph came in the 2014-15 season.

The Blues will be looking to avoid an early exit, particularly because they will not have European competition to contend with this season. Chelsea’s own season preview describes the Luton tie as the start of their 66th League Cup campaign.

For Luton Town, this is a major opportunity to produce one of the biggest upsets of the second round. The Hatters are now competing in League One after consecutive relegations, but they have made a strong start to the new campaign and are currently among the division’s promotion contenders.

Facing a Premier League opponent at Stamford Bridge gives Jack Wilshere‘s team a chance to test itself against a much higher level of opposition while potentially reaching the third round of the Carabao Cup.

What time is the Chelsea vs Luton Town match?

The Chelsea vs Luton Town match kicks off on Thursday, August 27, at 2:30 PM ET. The game will be played at Stamford Bridge in London and is Chelsea’s second-round fixture in the 2026-27 Carabao Cup.

• Eastern Time: 2:30 PM
• Central Time: 1:30 PM
• Mountain Time: 12:30 PM
• Pacific Time: 11:30 AM

Per Bobby Vincent of Mirror Sport, Moises Caicedo and also winger Marco Palestra are missing the game against Fulham due to minor injuries picked up during the week. Hence, he should be back next week or the week after.

The fact is that these are not good news, especially on the Caicedo side as he is a key player for Chelsea. However, the silver lining is that it is a minor injury and he should be back soon for a team desperate to do well after years of bad performances.

Who will play instead of Caicedo?

Given Caicedo’s absence, Xabi Alonso had to call an audible and adjust the starting lineup. Alonso opted to pair Reece James alongside Romeo Lavia in the central midfield pivot instead.

Alonso will have a 3-4-2-1 lineup against Fulham. It is as follows: Robert Sanchez; Josh Acheampong, Maxence Lacroix, Levi Colwill; Malo Gusto, Romeo Lavia, Reece James, Jorrel Hato; Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro, Morgan Rogers.

Fulham’s lineup vs Chelsea

As for Fulham, new manager Alvaro Arbeloa will use a 4-2-3-1 formation with plenty of new signings as well. Hence, it will be interesting to see if the new philosophy is already looking fine.

This is their lineup: Bernd Leno; Timothy Castagne, Jorge Cuenca, Calvin Bassey, Antonee Robinson; Joshua King, Sander Berge; Alex Iwobi, Oscar Bobb, Cesar Palacios; Gonzalo Garcia.

How to watch Fulham vs Chelsea in the USA

Fulham vs. Chelsea can be watched in the United States through Fubo, with the Premier League clash also available on USA Network, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, Universo, Universo NOW, TeleXitos and SiriusXM FC.

Can I watch Fulham vs Chelsea for free?

Yes, Fubo currently offers a 5-day free trial for eligible new subscribers, meaning qualifying viewers can use the trial to watch Fulham vs. Chelsea without paying for the first five days.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Fulham vs. Chelsea brings the 2026-27 Premier League season’s first West London derby to Craven Cottage, with both clubs beginning a new era under new managers.

Alvaro Arbeloa takes charge of Fulham after replacing Marco Silva, while Xabi Alonso makes his competitive debut as Chelsea boss. The storyline is particularly intriguing because the two Spaniards were teammates at Liverpool, Real Madrid and with the Spanish national team.

The stakes are also significant because both teams finished last season on 52 points. Chelsea ended 10th and Fulham 11th, separated only by goal difference, meaning neither side enters the new campaign from a position of strength.

Chelsea are expected to challenge for a return to the European places after a disappointing 2025-26 campaign, while Fulham will look to establish themselves under Arbeloa and make a stronger push up the table.

This is the beginning of a major rebuild under Alonso. The club has changed its transfer strategy and invested heavily in experienced players alongside younger talent, with Morgan Rogers, Maxence Lacroix and Marco Palestra among the notable additions.

Fulham, meanwhile, face the challenge of replacing Silva while maintaining the stability that has kept the club in the Premier League. Arbeloa arrives with a strong connection to Real Madrid and a clear understanding of Alonso’s methods, but his first competitive match in England comes against one of the league’s most recognizable clubs.

Fulham vs Chelsea: Predicted Lineups

Fulham (4-2-3-1): Bernd Leno; Timothy Castagne, Calvin Bassey, Jorge Cuenca, Antonee Robinson; Alex Iwobi, Sander Berge; Oscar Bobb, Josh King, Cesar Palacios; Gonzalo Garcia.

Chelsea (3-4-2-1): Robert Sanchez; Reece James, Maxence Lacroix, Levi Colwill; Pedro Neto, Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Marco Palestra; Cole Palmer,

What time is the Fulham vs Chelsea match?

The Fulham vs. Chelsea match kicks off today, Monday, August 24, at 3:00 PM ET. The game will be played at Craven Cottage in London, with the local kickoff scheduled for 8:00 PM BST.

• Eastern Time: 3:00 PM
• Central Time: 2:00 PM
• Mountain Time: 1:00 PM
• Pacific Time: 12:00 PM

How to watch Chelsea vs AC Milan in the USA

Chelsea vs AC Milan will be available to watch live in the United States through CBS Sports Network and FOX Deportes, with streaming options also available on Fubo and FOX One.

Can I watch Chelsea vs AC Milan for free?

The only legal way to watch Chelsea vs AC Milan for free in the United States is through Fubo’s free trial. The streaming service currently offers a 5-day free trial for eligible new subscribers, allowing fans to access the match.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

For Chelsea, the fixture is another opportunity for manager Xabi Alonso to continue implementing his ideas and evaluate his squad before the competitive campaign begins.

The Blues have used their summer tour to give minutes to new arrivals, test different tactical approaches and build chemistry, with matches against Western Sydney Wanderers, Tottenham and Juventus already included in their schedule.

The clash against AC Milan provides one of Chelsea’s biggest challenges of pre-season, as the Premier League side faces a club with extensive European experience. Beyond the result, Alonso’s focus will be on improving defensive organization, attacking combinations and the physical condition of his players before the start of the new season.

AC Milan arrive in Indonesia looking to continue their own preparations under new manager Ruben Amorim. The Rossoneri included the Chelsea match as part of their 2026 pre-season tour, which also featured a meeting with Inter in Australia, using these fixtures to assess their squad and establish their playing identity before Serie A action returns.

What time is the Chelsea vs AC Milan match?

The Chelsea vs AC Milan friendly kicks off on Saturday, August 8, at 8:00 AM ET in the United States. The match will be played at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia.

• Eastern Time: 8:00 AM
• Central Time: 7:00 AM
• Mountain Time: 6:00 AM
• Pacific Time: 5:00 AM

How to watch Chelsea vs Juventus in the USA

Chelsea and Juventus meet in Hong Kong for one of the biggest preseason friendlies of the summer, and fans in the United States will have multiple ways to follow the action live. The match will be available on CBS Sports Golazo.

Viewers who prefer to stream the game can watch it live on Paramount+, which carries CBS Sports soccer coverage, or through Fubo. Both services are available across a wide range of connected devices.

Can I watch Chelsea vs Juventus for free?

Fubo offers a 5-day free trial for eligible new subscribers, allowing fans in the U.S. to watch it live at no additional cost during the trial period. Trial availability and duration may vary depending on your location and account status.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Chelsea continue their preseason tour of Asia with another high-profile test against Juventus at Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong. While no trophy is on the line, the match is a key opportunity for Xabi Alonso to fine-tune his squad ahead of the 2026-27 Premier League season.

The Blues are using these friendlies to build chemistry, improve match fitness and integrate several new arrivals, while also giving valuable minutes to players returning from injury or international duty.

For Juventus, the fixture represents one of the toughest challenges of their summer schedule. The Serie A giants are expected to field a strong lineup as they continue preparing for the new campaign, with manager Igor Tudor looking to establish consistency before competitive action begins later this month.

What time is the Chelsea vs Juventus match?

The match kicks off on Wednesday, August 5, at 7:30 AM ET. For viewers across the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time (ET): 7:30 AM
Central Time (CT): 6:30 AM
Mountain Time (MT): 5:30 AM
Pacific Time (PT): 4:30 AM

When pressed on the exact number of players he needs for his Chelsea roster heading into the campaign, Alonso kept his stance open. “Not too long, not too short, what is the number? I can’t give you that number,” he stated directly during his Sydney press conference.

He then elaborated fully on the core philosophy behind his rotation strategy for the upcoming season. “But for sure, we need to have options because you know that we could be unlucky with injuries so we need to prepare for that. We can have different circumstances. We need to manage minutes.”

Can this plan work for Chelsea?

On paper, Alonso’s rotation framework is logical, but its success depends on whether Chelsea’s current bench possesses enough baseline quality to maintain high-level performances. If the talent gap between the starters and backups remains too wide, rotating players to prevent physical fatigue could easily lead to dropped points on the pitch instead.

Furthermore, Chelsea desperately needs this strategy to work after recent campaigns were completely wrecked by medical emergencies. During the disastrous 2023–24 season, the Blues suffered an astonishing 40+ separate injuries, leaving as many as 10+ first-team players sidelined at once, while late 2025 brought another spike in squad injuries that destroyed all competitive momentum.

Restoring Chelsea’s european threat

Chelsea has been searching for domestic and European consistency for years, having not lifted the Premier League title since the 2016-17 season or the Champions League since 2021. While the club has collected smaller trophies recently, they have struggled to project that feared, dominant presence that once made European giants dread playing against them.

Despite a brief, turbulent stint at Real Madrid where dressing room dynamics cut his tenure short, Alonso’s tactical clarity and elite status as a player give him real authority at Stamford Bridge. If he can manage squad morale and convince high-profile stars to embrace rotation, his disciplined blueprint could finally make Chelsea a relentless threat once again.