Spaniard also provides an update on Kendry Paez before Chelsea’s clash against Leeds United.

Xabi Alonso has confirmed that Moises Caicedo is dealing with a calf issue, while Jordan Henderson is now in the “last stage of his recovery”.

Chelsea have had to manage without Caicedo in three of their four matches across all competitions so far this season, and Alonso admitted he made a “mistake” by bringing the Ecuador international back too soon against Brighton. Caicedo came on from the bench in that game but lasted only 14 minutes before going off again in visible discomfort.

Caicedo will miss out once more for Chelsea when they welcome Leeds United in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, and England midfielder Henderson is also unavailable for selection.

Henderson has not featured for either club or country since suffering a freak injury after England’s 3-2 victory over Mexico at Estadio Azteca during the World Cup in July.

The 36-year-old landed awkwardly after climbing over an advertising hoarding and subsequently required wrist surgery. His arm has still not fully recovered and he remains out of action.

“He has a problem in his calf,” Alonso said about Caicedo.

“No [it is not a new injury]. It was the same one he had before Brighton. I wanted to have Moi [for that game].

“Probably it was my mistake to push him too early, so that’s why I’m cautious now not to make the same mistake.”

Alonso was also asked whether Henderson, who won the Champions League with Liverpool, has had the opportunity to show his leadership qualities yet, or whether all his attention has been on rehabilitation.

“Both, he has been very close to the team,” Alonso said. “Even being injured, he has been travelling with us [to games]. I know that he likes and he needs to have this connection with the team, to have this impact on the pitch and off the pitch.

“He has been training very well, but still it is frustrating for him that, even being the arm, it is taking that long. I think he is in the last stage of his recovery.”

Alonso also said that, from Chelsea’s academy group, “some will be in the squad” for the visit of Leeds, and he was further questioned about Kendry Paez, who did not leave the club during the summer.

“At the moment, he is not part of the first-team squad,” Alonso said of the 19-year-old winger from Ecuador. “No, he is not in our plans.”