Xabi Alonso has confirmed Moises Caicedo will not be fit to play as Chelsea face Leeds on Tuesday night.

Caicedo missed the first two games of the season against Fulham and Luton but appeared as a substitute when making his return against Brighton in the 4-3 win.

The Ecuador captain lasted just 14 minutes, though, before being taken off injured in a setback for the midfielder.

He then missed Sunday’s 2-1 defeat away to Arsenal.

After that game at the Emirates, Alonso admitted he and Chelsea may have rushed Caicedo back from injury too soon against Brighton and pledged not to make the “same mistake again”.

Following the Brighton game, Alonso had said: “He was cautious to stop, to say that his feeling was not the best. We need to assess during the week that it wasn’t something else.”

On Tuesday afternoon, Alonso gave a fresh update on Caicedo’s fitness ahead of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup match at home to Leeds.

Asked if Caicedo is fit, he explained: “No. Not yet. Still not ready to go. Not the moment to take a too-early risk. We go game by game with them. It’s too early.”

He continued, confirming Levi Colwill is ready but that Marco Palestra remains out: “Especially for (Palestra). He came with huge energy, huge desire to enjoy his game in the PL.

“He had a very good pre-season. Right in the days before Fulham, he picked up an injury. We will need him, for sure. He will add a lot of good potential for the team.”

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