Need to know
Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo will serve a one-match suspension in the Carabao Cup after picking up a yellow card against Cardiff City
Everything you need to know about why Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo must serve a one-match suspension in the Carabao Cup…
- Chelsea’s Cup success: Enzo Maresca’s side advanced to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night following a 3-1 victory against Cardiff City. Goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Pedro Neto secured the win and a spot in the competition’s final four.
- Suspension details: Moises Caicedo will be unavailable for the first leg of the semi-final in January after picking up a yellow card during the match. This caution was his second in the competition, triggering an automatic one-match suspension.
- The quarter-final incident: The booking occurred in the 45th minute when referee Tony Harrington penalised Caicedo for dissent. The midfielder was sanctioned for sarcastically applauding the official’s decision to award a free-kick to Cardiff.
- Previous offence: Caicedo’s first yellow card of the Carabao Cup campaign was received during the previous round against Wolverhampton Wanderers. On that occasion, he was booked for arguing with the referee deep into second-half stoppage time.
- Timing of the ban: Because the second booking occurred before the semi-final stage, the suspension must be served in the next round. Yellow cards are typically wiped before the semi-finals, but this does not nullify bans triggered by cards accumulated in the quarter-finals.
- Upcoming fixtures: The semi-final first leg is scheduled for the week of January 12, with the return leg following in early February. Chelsea are set to face either Arsenal or Crystal Palace as they compete for a place in the Wembley final.
- Impact on the side: Caicedo has become a vital component of Maresca’s midfield and his absence represents a significant blow for the first leg. The manager will now have to find a tactical alternative to replace the Ecuadorian’s defensive presence.
