Why Chelsea star Moises Caicedo is wearing a mask against Man Utd in Premier League clash

Moises Caicedo is wearing a mask for Chelsea after taking a blow to his cheek in last weekend's defeat to Newcastle United, football.london understands. The midfielder joins a long list of players for the club who have sported the facial protection.

Just two weeks after winning both of Chelsea's player of the season awards, Caicedo had to shield himself from injury at Stamford Bridge after an incident at Newcastle. Caicedo played the full match at St James' Park.

He had it fitted ahead of the game.

The injury was not seen to be serious enough to keep him out. Caicedo has been an ever-present for Chelsea under Enzo Maresca this season, playing and starting every league game so far.

In a tactical tweak by Maresca ahead of the game, Caicedo was named alongside Enzo Fernandez in midfield without Romeo Lavia. The Belgian dropped to the bench after starting three games in a row.

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Lavia's place was taken by club captain Reece James, who returned to right-back. Caicedo had been playing a hybrid role taking him from full-back into midfield when Chelsea have possession.

Maresca also changed up his attack, bringing in teenager and new academy player of the season Tyrique George for his first Premier League start. George came in for Nicolas Jackson, who misses the match through suspension after being sent off against Newcastle.

Jackson will also be out for the final day of the season away at Nottingham Forest. Pedro Neto had been used as a makeshift striker earlier this season when Jackson was injured. With Marc Guiu and Christopher Nkunku out through injury, Maresca was forced to adapt.

Speaking before the match, Maresca said "Moi [Caicedo] is also a player who deserves Champions League, and Enzo Fernandez and Levi Colwill. This is the reason why we have been there and we are going to try to finish there, because we have many players in terms of status who deserve to play Champions League."

He added: "All the players need to step up [to beat United]. We have different players who can take responsibility in these games. It’s not just about Cole [Palmer]; I don’t agree with relying on Cole for everything.

"We have more players who have improved this season in terms of leadership and as a player. We mentioned before Caicedo, Fernandez, Colwill. Reece James is our captain. All of them need to step up.

"Tactics are important, but there are some games, like the three we have, where other aspects are also important: players taking responsibility and showing desire to bring this club where it has to be."