Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has given midfielder Moises Caicedo the same billing as star attacker Cole Palmer, with both players being crucial to the team's success. However, Caicedo's recent red card against Arsenal means he will be missing three matches, including a crucial clash at Leeds on Wednesday.
Maresca was forced to pick Caicedo in the starting line-up for 50 of his 51 Premier League matches this season, but now has to find alternative solutions. Andrey Santos, who impressed in a loan spell against Burnley, is being touted as the primary alternative to Caicedo.
Santos played the full 90 minutes in all three of Chelsea's last week's matches and has been highly rated by the hierarchy at Stamford Bridge, having excelled on loan at partner club Strasbourg. He made four caps for Brazil before joining the Blues nearly three years ago and has been sent to Ligue 1 for training to prepare him for the Premier League.
However, Caicedo will be welcomed back into the starting line-up after his ban expires and Maresca admits that the 24-year-old's absence is a silver lining. "It's the positive part, yes," he said. "He's playing almost every game... also with the international team."
Maresca was forced to pick Caicedo in the starting line-up for 50 of his 51 Premier League matches this season, but now has to find alternative solutions. Andrey Santos, who impressed in a loan spell against Burnley, is being touted as the primary alternative to Caicedo.
Santos played the full 90 minutes in all three of Chelsea's last week's matches and has been highly rated by the hierarchy at Stamford Bridge, having excelled on loan at partner club Strasbourg. He made four caps for Brazil before joining the Blues nearly three years ago and has been sent to Ligue 1 for training to prepare him for the Premier League.
However, Caicedo will be welcomed back into the starting line-up after his ban expires and Maresca admits that the 24-year-old's absence is a silver lining. "It's the positive part, yes," he said. "He's playing almost every game... also with the international team."
I think it's good for Chelsea to give young players like Andrey Santos a chance to shine now that Caicedo has gotten his 3-game ban 
. Santos' experience on loan at Strasbourg must have helped him improve, and the fact he made 4 caps for Brazil is already impressive! 
It'll be interesting to see how Maresca's tactics will change with or without Caicedo - maybe it'll give Santos a chance to take his game to the next level 
. But, I mean, you can't just drop a key player like that, right? 
, missing out on some crucial matches and now having to sit this one out too... 
at least enzo maresca is being honest about it being a silver lining 
and that he's been playing almost every game, including with brazil? 
that's amazing! 
can't wait for him to get back on the pitch 
. A player who gets sent off can be a game-changer, but when you factor in his absence due to red cards, it raises some serious questions about the team's depth and spending priorities 
. On one hand, you've got Santos coming up the ranks - great development story, but are they ready for Premier League games just yet? 
gettin' benched due to that red card 
but on the bright side, andrey santos is lookin like a solid backup 
been impressin in his loan spell @ burnley 
. But hey, I guess it shows how much Maresca trusts him, and Caicedo's been doing alright for himself in international games 
. The thing is, though, Chelsea needs players who can stay out of trouble, you know? It's like, the team's success depends on having a strong squad with minimal suspensions 
. Maybe Andrey Santos will be the solution they've been looking for? 
another midfielder gets injured or suspended 
meanwhile, Palmer's still a superstar but Caicedo was kinda the glue that held them together 
it's crazy how quickly things can change in football, one minute you're riding high and the next, your star player's out with a red card 
what was he thinking? anyway, Santos looks like he's gonna be a game changer for chelsea 
been watching him play on loan at burnley and he's got skills for days 
. at least we know caicedo's not being benched or anything, just waiting on his ban to end 
. Andrey Santos sounds like a solid player and all, but can't they just find him someone else to loan out instead of putting pressure on Chelsea? It's not fair to Santos that he has to deal with the hype of playing for Strasbourg while his own team needs him back at Stamford Bridge 
. And what's up with Maresca giving Caicedo almost every game and then getting a red card out of the blue 
. It feels like they're just winging it here...
?! 
The young Brazilian has been impressing and he's definitely gonna be a game changer for the team. Maresca made some great calls picking him up from Strasbourg, and now it's time to see how he'll do in the Premier League 
#SantosToTheRescue #CaicedoMissesOut
! The guy has been on fire all season but getting a 3-match break won't hurt anyone 
. I mean, Santos was doing some solid stuff and now he gets more chances to shine 
. Maresca knows how to mix things up and keep his team fresh, which is why Chelsea's been doing so well this season 
#CaicedoReturn #SantosIsReady #ChelseaBlues