Xabi Alonso provides update as Moises Caicedo taken off with injury shortly after coming on

Moises Caicedo was forced off injured just 10 minutes after coming on for Chelsea in their 4-3 win over Brighton.

The midfielder was making his first appearance of the season against his former club, having helped Ecuador to the last 16 of the World Cup, where he captained his country against Mexico.

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Caicedo’s short-lived return to action

Caicedo replaced Pedro Neto on 68 minutes at Stamford Bridge.

But the 24-year-old was quickly having to be substituted himself, going down with summer signing Valentin Barco coming on in his place.

Caicedo was visibly emotional as he made his way back towards the tunnel.

Signed from Brighton for £100m in 2023, he’s featured in almost all of the Blues’ Premier League games since.

But manager Xabi Alonso played down fears of a lengthy absence for Caicedo, explaining in his post-match press conference that his withdrawal was precautionary.

“It wasn’t more than last time,” he said. “He was cautious. His feeling was not the best. It wasn’t something new.”

Alonso’s Chelsea scoring and conceding in almost equal measure

His elite defensive midfield acumen could be invaluable for a team so far shipping goals under their new boss, despite starting the campaign with successive victories.

Chelsea began the season with a 3-2 triumph away to west London rivals Fulham.

Alonso and co. take their 100% start into another London derby next Sunday when they travel to champions Arsenal.

As well as their two league victories, the Blues beat League One Luton 2-0 in the Carabao Cup on Thursday.

Caicedo missed the trip to Fulham and visit of Luton through injury but returned to the matchday squad on Sunday.

Chelsea raced into a 3-0 lead inside 32 minutes through two other former Brighton men, Romeo Lavia – scoring his first goal for the Blues – and Joao Pedro, who struck either side of Pedro Neto.

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The Seagulls fought back through Malick Junior Yalcouye and a Joao Pedro own goal, only for Cole Palmer to put the hosts 4-2 up.

Pascal Gross’ late header might have given Fabian Hurzeler‘s side the slightest sliver of hope, but it was virtually the last action of the game.

Next up for Brighton is a home clash with Leeds on Saturday.

Chelsea stop Brighton rot

It’s the first time Chelsea have beaten the Seagulls for almost two years, after a run of three straight defeats in all competitions.

In doing so, they’ve also won their first two Premier League games for the first time since 2021.