Pochettino: Caicedo was 'really worried' about his family's safety in Ecuador

Moises Caicedo was 'really worried' about his family's safety after the recent violence in his home country of Ecuador.

The South American nation is currently going through a period of unrest, with a wave of attacks by criminal organisations and even an armed incursion on set during a live TV broadcast in the country.

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino revealed that the club have been offering him support and talking about the situation in Ecuador.

The 22-year-old joined the Blues from Brighton for a British record fee of £115m in the summer, but to date, has struggled to live up to his price tag.

Pochettino admitted that he knew the issues back in Ecuador could 'affect the performance' of the player but insists the situation is improving and his midfielder now feels more relaxed.

The Chelsea boss, ahead of tonight's Carabao Cup semi-final clash with Middlesbrough, told the media:  'It is true that a few weeks ago he was really worried.

'The situation is not easy. In South America it is not only Ecuador. Normally, the club cares not just for him but for everyone.

'If you have problems, the club is there to try to help us in different ways.

'If it has happened it is a good thing from the club to help the player because we need him in his best condition to compete.

'Every day we have been talking about how the situation is in Ecuador. At the moment it is good news, in his case, with his family.

'I only know that the family is good and safe. You know very well that this could affect the performance of the player if something is going wrong with the family.

'He is OK now, he feels better. He says the situation there is not normal but it is improving and now it is more relaxed.'

The family of Caicedo - who is the youngest of ten siblings - are in Ecuador.

As reported by the Telegraph, Chelsea have also been in contract with Kendry Paez, who still plays and lives in Ecuador because he cannot move to the Blues until his 18th birthday next year.

Fears have also been heightened among Ecuador's most notable players after the father of Liverpool's Colombian forward Luis Diaz, was kidnapped and held hostage for 12 days.

Ecuador's president Daniel Noboa declared 'war' on criminal gangs earlier this month after the attack of a TV station.

Caicedo, who has played 24 times for Chelsea this season, is preparing for the Blues' second-leg tie with Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup.

The Blues trail 1-0 going into tonight's game at Stamford Bridge.