Moises Caicedo has admitted he is "tired" and struggling with some "minor issues" while on international duty with Ecuador after a difficult start to the season.

The 25-year-old midfielder has had an injury-disrupted start to the campaign, with the Chelsea man nursing a calf problem. However, after feeling discomfort in the wake of the Blues' 2-0 win over Manchester United on October 31, Xabi Alonso described Caicedo's pain as "discomfort more than the calf".

Caicedo was then a doubt for Chelsea's defeat to Sunderland last weekend but the former Brighton man got himself fit before completing the full 90 minutes at the Stadium of Light. Now, Caicedo is with the Ecuador national team for their upcoming friendlies against Costa Rica and Bolivia, but is still feeling some pain.

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Speaking to Ecuadorian press, Caicedo explained: "[I'm] a little tired, with some minor issues, but I'm here because it's my national team and what matters most to me is being here; with my people, with my Ecuador. I'm making a big effort to be here, and I'm happy about that."

Caicedo missed the October international break due to the aforementioned calf injury but was determined to represent his country this time around. The Chelsea midfielder was appointed as Ecuador's captain over the summer and is now playing under a new head coach in Marcelo Gallardo.

Speaking about Gallardo, Caicedo said: "Honestly, having a coach with this much stature is really great for this very young generation we have. I think he's going to help us a lot. And well, I'm very happy to be here and to be able to contribute in any way."

Caicedo will be hoping to get some minutes for Ecuador under Gallardo in the coming days. Chelsea, meanwhile, will be keeping a close eye on the midfielder and how he does during his time with his national team.

Alonso has already been deprived of Caicedo's services too much this season and will be keeping his fingers crossed that he can stay fit over the next week. Chelsea host Leeds United in their first Premier League game back from the international break on November 21.