Moises Caicedo absence explained amid Chelsea and Liverpool links
Moises Caicedo missed Brighton & Hove Albion’s pre-season friendly with Rayo Vallecano due to a minor hamstring injury, according to the club’s CEO Paul Barber.
The Seagulls are currently embroiled in a fight to keep the talented 21-year-old midfielder who has been the subject of two failed bids from Chelsea this summer. Caicedo has also been tentatively linked with a move to Anfield in recent months after enjoying a fine breakthrough campaign at the Amex last time out.
On Sunday afternoon, however, Caicedo was a noticeable absentee from Brighton’s squad that took to the Amex to face La Liga side Rayo Vallecano. Initially, it was claimed by some sources that Caicedo had requested to sit out of the fixture as he looks to engineer a move to Stamford Bridge.
Barber, though, was quick to deny such speculation and in fact revealed the Ecuadorian’s absence was entirely down to a hamstring issue he has been nursing ahead of their Premier League opener at home to Luton Town on Saturday.
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“Moises had a slight hamstring injury late in training and was pulled out for that reason,” said Barber. “With a Premier League season just a week away it makes no sense to risk him today.
“We’re looking forward to Moises starting the season with us, he’s a Brighton player under a long-term contract. He’s probably one of the most exciting young midfield players in the world at the moment and we’re delighted to have him.”
Barber added: “We’ve always got our eyes on improving the squad wherever we can, we’re in a good position, we’ve got a good squad, we’re looking forward to the season.
“All the players are fit and well, with the exception of Moises. We’re looking forward to today’s friendly and then preparing for Luton’s visit next week.”
Roberto de Zerbi’s side have already lost a number of key players this summer, with Alexis Mac Allister departing the South Coast to join Liverpool in a £35m deal. Meanwhile, Levi Colwill, who played an instrumental role in the Seagulls securing European football for the first time in their history, returned to Chelsea after his season-long loan spell at the Amex and has since signed a six-year deal with the Londoners.
And earlier this week Roberto Sanchez became the latest Brighton & Hove Albion star to trade the Amex for Stamford Bridge as he joined Mauricio Pochettino’s side in a £25m deal, which will see him compete with Kepa Arrizabalaga for the No.1 shirt in West London.
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