Xabi Alonso admitted he made a mistake in rushing Moises Caicedo's return from injury and is hoping to avoid doing so again.
Alonso admits mistake with Caicedo injury return
Moises Caicedo was absent for Chelsea's defeat to Arsenal on Sunday, and Xabi Alonso is being very cautious about the midfielder's injury.
Caicedo missed Chelsea's 2-1 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday, which brought an end to Alonso's perfect start at Stamford Bridge.
The midfielder also missed their opener against Fulham, while he was able to play just 14 minutes against Brighton on matchday two before being substituted back off.
Chelsea have conceded seven goals in three league games this season, with their midfield struggling to offer stability amid Caicedo's absence and the departure of Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City.
Alonso revealed he made a mistake in playing Caicedo against Brighton, though he did not use it as an excuse for the defeat to Arsenal.
"It's not longer term," said Alonso about Caicedo's return date. "But it's about assessing the risk.
"Last week, we took him too early. I don't want to make this mistake again.
"It's easy after a defeat to talk about the players who they are missing. I'm happy with the players we have.
"We have to deal with injuries; Mikel [Arteta] has to deal with injuries. But we need them because they are top players."
After the defeat at Emirates Stadium, Chelsea have lost five consecutive away games against an opponent in the Premier League for the second time, previously losing six in a row at Anfield to Liverpool between 1992 and 1997.
Next up for the Blues is an EFL Cup clash with Leeds United, who are unbeaten in the Premier League this season (W1 D2).
Alonso's side then face Hull City and Brentford in the league before the international break.
