Former Nigeria midfielder John Mikel Obi has named Moises Caicedo as the missing piece in Chelsea’s puzzle this season.

Caicedo has been largely sidelined this season due to a calf injury. The 24-year-old has managed just 14 minutes of game time for the London club.

The Blues have struggled in the absence of the Ecuadorian midfielder, who has been pivotal in the centre of the pitch for the club in recent seasons.

Caicedo’s absence has been compounded by the departure of Enzo Fernandez, who has joined Premier League rivals Manchester City in a deal worth £125 million.

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has been compelled to deploy the likes of Reece James and Malo Gusto in midfield alongside Romeo Lavia.

While the team has been flourishing in attack with 18 goals in six games, the Blues have also been poor defensively, conceding 12 goals in those games.

Speaking on his podcast, former Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi attributed the Blues’ defensive struggles to the absence of Moises Caicedo.

“We are missing Moises Caicedo. When he returns, I believe we will become a much more solid team,” Obi stated on the Obi One Podcast.

“He is the player who disrupts the opposition’s play and ensures that our back four is adequately protected. Our back four is solid.

“The energy he brings, his ability to break up plays, initiate attacks and advance the ball is akin to what Declan Rice offers for Arsenal. That’s the impact Moises Caicedo has for us, and his absence has been tremendously felt.

“Once he is back, I am confident we will improve significantly as a team. There is no doubt about that.”

WDN