Moisés Caicedo Back in Training, Set to Return for Chelsea Against Brighton

Two matches on the sidelines are a lot for someone who has become a fixture in Chelsea's midfield. But that's about to change. Moisés Caicedo is back to full training and everything points to him returning this Sunday, August 30, when the Blues host Brighton, the very club that developed him before selling him to Stamford Bridge.

The Ecuadorian had missed the start of the league season with a physical issue that the coaching staff preferred not to rush. Nothing serious, but enough to keep him out while he completed his recovery. Now, with that setback behind him, the door is open for his return.

Worth noting: this isn't just any match for him. Caicedo came up through Brighton's academy before making the jump to Chelsea in 2023, so facing his old club always carries that extra flavor of a reunion. And it comes right on time for what would be his sixth season in the Premier League and his fourth wearing Chelsea's shirt.

Nobody summed up the situation better than the manager himself, Xabi Alonso, in his pre-match press conference. The coach wouldn't commit to anything definite, but he made clear the intention is to have the Ecuadorian midfielder available as soon as possible.

"Our plan is for them to train on Saturday, preparing for Sunday. He will train with the team and we're hopeful he'll be available for the match. We have to review it, there's no decision made yet"Xabi Alonso

That caution makes sense. After two matchdays out, the logical approach is not to rush things and to confirm only after Saturday's training session whether Caicedo is fit to start from the opening lineup or whether his return will come gradually, off the bench. Either way, just the possibility of seeing him back on the field is good news for a midfield that badly needs its engine back up to speed.

How and when to watch the match

Chelsea against Brighton kicks off this Sunday at 8:00 a.m. in Ecuador, Colombia and Peru, 9:00 a.m. in Chile and 10:00 a.m. in Argentina and Uruguay. For those following the match from South America, the broadcast will be available through Disney+'s Premium Plan.

If Caicedo does take the field, it will be his first official appearance of the season and clear proof that the physical issue is behind him. All signs point to yes, though as Xabi Alonso said, the final call won't come until right before kickoff.