Moises Caicedo will be unavailable for Chelsea’s critical match against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on January 3, 2026, following his fifth yellow card of the season. The Ecuadorian midfielder received the booking just four minutes into the match against Bournemouth, which took place on December 30, 2025. Referee Sam Barrott issued the caution after Caicedo clipped the heels of Bournemouth’s Adrien Truffert near the halfway line.
The decision did not sit well with Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, who expressed his frustration from the sidelines. Maresca believed the booking was unwarranted and showcased his displeasure during the match. This suspension comes after Caicedo had already received a yellow card in Chelsea’s recent 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa just days earlier.
Caicedo’s absence will be felt significantly, as he has emerged as one of Chelsea’s most influential players this campaign. With the team facing a tough opponent in Manchester City, his suspension adds to the challenges Chelsea faces as they aim to secure crucial points in the league.
The midfielder’s disciplinary record has raised eyebrows this season, particularly as Chelsea has recorded multiple red cards. Alongside Caicedo, players such as Joao Pedro, Robert Sanchez, Liam Delap, Trevoh Chalobah, and Malo Gusto have all faced suspensions for various infractions. Despite this, Maresca insists that the team does not have a disciplinary issue. He stated, “Again, we need to analyze every yellow card. But I didn’t have the feeling that there was a disciplinary problem.”
As Chelsea prepares for their upcoming match against Manchester City, the impact of Caicedo’s absence will undoubtedly be a focal point. The team will need to adapt quickly in order to maintain their competitive edge in the Premier League.
