Chelsea Starting XI vs Leeds: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup

Chelsea go into Wednesday night's Carabao Cup meeting with Leeds United without Moises Caicedo again. That is the headline, and there is no point dressing it up. He is not ready, Chelsea know it, and Xabi Alonso has made clear he will not force the issue.

Caicedo missed the opening two matches of the season, then lasted only 14 minutes against Brighton before going off in pain. He was absent again for the 2-1 defeat to Arsenal , and Chelsea are taking the cautious route. Alonso's message is simple. No gamble, no repeat of what he called "the same mistake".

There is some relief in the fact the injury is not "longer-term", but that does not help Chelsea against Leeds. Caicedo is out, and so is Marco Palestra . Jordan Henderson remains unavailable with the wrist problem he suffered at the World Cup, while Emmanuel Emegha also misses out.