EPL: Xabi Alonso reveals huge ‘mistake’ he made after Arsenal defeat

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has acknowledged that he made a ‘mistake’ regarding Moises Caicedo following Chelsea’s Premier League loss to Arsenal.

Key midfielder Caicedo was absent from Chelsea’s Premier League opener against Fulham and did not participate in the Carabao Cup victory over Luton Town.

Caicedo finally made his season debut during Chelsea’s exciting win against Brighton last weekend, entering the match in the 68th minute to replace Pedro Neto.

However, Caicedo was forced to leave the field just 14 minutes later due to injury and was replaced by Chelsea’s summer signing, Valentin Barco.

The latest injury ruled Caicedo out of Chelsea’s Premier League clash against Arsenal on Sunday, which Alonso’s team lost 2-1.

Alonso insisted Caicedo did not have a ‘long-term’ injury but admitted it was a ‘mistake’ to bring him back ‘too early’.

Asked for an update on the midfielder after Chelsea’s defeat to Arsenal, Alonso said: “It is not long term, but it’s about assessing the risk.

“Probably, last week, we took him too early and I don’t want to make the same mistake again.

“We need [Caicedo and Colwill] because they are top players and with them we are a better team.”