Moises Caicedo absent for Carabao Cup semi first leg through suspension

Goal reports Moises Caicedo was a notable absentee from Chelsea's squad for the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Arsenal on Wednesday night.

The Ecuador international, one of Chelsea's key central midfielders who has scored four times this season, was left out and new boss Liam Rosenior selected Andrey Santos alongside Enzo Fernandez. Santos, 21, had impressed in the 5-1 FA Cup win over Charlton and was given another start, with Joao Pedro expected to play behind Marc Guiu and Estevao and Pedro Neto on the wings. Cole Palmer, Reece James and Malo Gusto were omitted with injuries, while Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens were ill and not included.

Caicedo's absence is due to suspension after receiving two yellow cards in the Carabao Cup — one in the quarter-final at Cardiff City, where he was named captain by former manager Enzo Maresca, and an earlier booking in the win at Wolverhampton Wanderers — which triggered a one-game ban. He is available again for Chelsea's home match against Brentford on Saturday; Chelsea sit eighth in the Premier League and Brentford are fifth after winning four of their last five league games.

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Sports, Moises Caicedo, Chelsea, Liam Rosenior, Andrey Santos, Carabao Cup