Moises Caicedo has emerged as one of the standout midfielders of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, but his availability for the final remains in doubt following a late injury scare. Ahead of Chelsea’s clash with Paris Saint-Germain, head coach Enzo Maresca provided an important update on the Ecuadorian’s status.
In the semifinal win over Fluminense, Caicedo twisted his left ankle during stoppage time after a collision with Jhon Arias, requiring on-field medical attention. Though he returned to the match, it was clear he was playing through significant discomfort.
Following the game, Maresca was asked about Caicedo’s condition. The Chelsea boss offered a measured response and challenged his player to recover in time. “We’ll see. I told him that he has to do anything to be inside the pitch on Sunday in the final. But we’ll see,” Maresca told DAZN.
Maresca’s update on Caicedo
Chelsea resumed training on Friday, with plenty of eyes on Caicedo’s participation. The Ecuadorian was sidelined from full team activities and focused on rehab exercises to avoid aggravating the injury. Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Maresca offered a more specific update.
“Of course, Moi (Moises Caicedo) is an important player for us. This morning he trained but he couldn’t take part in the session fully. Hopefully we can have him on Sunday,” Maresca told reporters, underlining the midfielder’s value to the team.
The manager also addressed the challenge ahead against what he considers the world’s most in-form side: “I think PSG are the best club team in the world right now—they’re proving it. They’ve shown it in France, they showed it by winning the UCL 5-0 against Inter Milan, and they’re showing it in this competition. Sunday is definitely going to be a very tough match.”
With both Chelsea and PSG known for controlling possession, the midfield battle is shaping up to be the key to the final. Caicedo’s presence—given his high tackle rate, strong duel success, and sheer volume of touches—could be critical for Chelsea’s chances to lift the Club World Cup trophy against what appears to be an unstoppable PSG side.
