The 25-year-old has joined his national team for November's fixtures against Costa Rica and Bolivia after missing Ecuador's previous international commitments through injury. Speaking to reporters, in comments published by FutbolEcuador, he acknowledged that he was not feeling completely comfortable.
“I'm a little… [sighs] fine, a bit tired, having a few problems, but well, I'm here.
“Honestly, my national team is what matters most to me, being here with my people, with my Ecuador. I'm making a huge effort to be here, and I'm very happy about that.”
Caicedo's comments will be unwelcome news for Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso, who has already had to manage the midfielder's workload carefully this season. A calf injury kept him out for several weeks, and a setback during his attempted return delayed his comeback.
He eventually regained his place in the starting line-up in October, but there have been further indications that his fitness is not entirely settled. Before Chelsea's defeat by Sunderland, Alonso revealed that Caicedo had experienced discomfort following the victory over Manchester United. The manager stressed that the latest problem was different from the earlier calf injury.
The midfielder nevertheless completed the full 90 minutes against Sunderland before travelling to join Ecuador. His latest comments suggest that the physical demands of the season are still taking a toll.
There is also a new responsibility for Caicedo at international level. He has taken on the captaincy and is now working under Marcelo Gallardo, who has recently begun his tenure as Ecuador head coach.
Caicedo admitted he had only just arrived at the national camp, but had already heard positive feedback from his team-mates about the new manager.
“I only arrived yesterday, so I've seen that the lads have already been training. They've told me they've been doing really well and have felt really good with the new manager.
“That's good to hear. You arrive feeling very happy hearing that. So now it's about making myself available to the coaching staff and helping out.”
His commitment to Ecuador is clear, but Chelsea will hope the international break does not aggravate the problems he has described. The club face Leeds United on 21 November, beginning a demanding run of fixtures that will require Caicedo to be available.
For Alonso, the priority will be ensuring the midfielder returns in a condition to contribute without risking another interruption to his season.