Why Moises Caicedo is not playing for Chelsea against Arsenal tonight | Football

Chelsea will once again be without Moises Caicedo for the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Arsenal.

For the third time this season, the Ecuador international will serve a suspension, ruling him out at Stamford Bridge tonight.

The Blues secured their place in the last four after beating Cardiff City in Wales with Caicedo wearing the captain’s armband that night in December.

The former Brighton star picked up a needless yellow card just before half-time after sarcastically applauding referee Tony Harrington following his decision to give Cardiff a free-kick.

It was his second booking of the competition having also been shown a yellow for arguing with officials in added time in the previous round against Wolves.

Two bookings is enough to earn a one-match suspension in the Carabao Cup. Caicedo will be available for the return leg across town at the Emirates in February.

Yellow cards are wiped at the semi-final stage of the competition.

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Caicedo was shown a straight red card in the Premier League fixture between these two sides in November for a reckless challenge on Mikel Merino in the first-half.

It saw him banned for three matches, missing games against Leeds United, Bournemouth and Everton.

The 24-year-old served another suspension over the festive period after he picked up his fifth booking of the season in the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth on 30 December.

It meant he missed the crucial trip to Manchester City at the start of 2026.

Discipline has been an issue for Chelsea throughout the season, picking up seven red cards across all competitions.

Marc Cucurella was the latest to receive his marching orders after seeing red in the west London derby defeat to Fulham last week.

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