Chelsea player is suspended and will not face Palmeiras in the Club World Cup
Chelsea will be without one of their key players in the quarterfinals of the FIFA Club World Cup. After a dramatic extra-time victory over Benfica on Saturday (June 28), the English club secured a spot to face Palmeiras in the next round but will have to do it without star midfielder Moisés Caicedo.
Caicedo Suspended After Yellow Card vs. Benfica
Despite being named Man of the Match in Chelsea’s 4-1 win over Benfica, Caicedo was shown a yellow card in the second half for dissent. That booking his second of the tournament triggers a one-game suspension, meaning he will miss the highly anticipated quarterfinal against Palmeiras.
His absence is a blow to manager Enzo Maresca, as Caicedo has been a central figure in the team’s midfield.
Moisés Caicedo’s Season by the Numbers
- Appearances: 57 games (club + country)
- Goals: 2
- Assists: 4
- Transfer Fee: Approx. R$715 million the most expensive signing in Chelsea’s history
- Titles in 2024/25: UEFA Conference League winner
- Regular starter for Ecuador in World Cup Qualifiers
In the Club World Cup, his stats are equally impressive:
- Pass Accuracy: 91%
- Tackles per match: 4
- Ball Recoveries: 6.7 per game
- 1 assist
Palmeiras Also Has Key Absences
Palmeiras will also deal with suspensions in the quarterfinal:
- Gustavo Gómez (Captain, defender)
- Piquerez (Left-back)
Both received second yellow cards in the 1-0 win over Botafogo and will only be eligible again if Palmeiras advances to the semifinals.
