An explanation for the absence of Moises Caicedo from Brighton & Hove Albion’s latest matchday squad has been provided on Sunday evening.
For those not aware, the name of midfielder Caicedo has taken its place front and centre in the English media headlines once more across the day to date.
This comes after the Ecuadorian international was a late absentee from Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton squad to face Rayo Vallecano.
The Seagulls ultimately battled their way to a 1-1 stalemate, but it was the whereabouts of the club’s midfield standout which proved itself the main talking point surrounding the clash.
The assumption on the part of most was that Caicedo had made himself unavailable for selection to boss De Zerbi, amid ongoing efforts to push through a long-touted move to Premier League rivals Chelsea.
If the latest comments on the part of Brighton CEO Paul Barber are anything to go by, however, then, in fact, this is not the case.
“Moises had a slight hamstring injury late in training and was pulled out for that reason,” Barber explained. “With a Premier League season just a week away it makes no sense to risk him today.”
He went on to add:
“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.”
🗣️ Brighton CEO Paul Barber confirms Moises Caicedo missed the Vallecano game with a hamstring strain. “Moises had a slight hamstring injury late in training and was pulled out for that reason. With a Premier League season just a week away it makes no sense to risk him today… pic.twitter.com/48zEfQlNH2
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) August 6, 2023
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