Since the change of ownership, Chelsea’s transfer strategy has revolved around signing the best young talents from around the globe and trying to develop them into stars. The likes of Estevao have gone straight into the first-team. Others have been sent out on loan to gain senior-level experience.
One player Chelsea signed around the same time they got a deal done for Estevao was Kendry Paez. In fact, at one point, the Ecuadorian was believed to be more first-team-ready than his Brazilian teammate.
Since then, things have not gone according to plan for Paez. His development seemed to stall a bit towards the latter end of his time at Independiente del Valle. He was sent on loan to Strasbourg in the summer but that failed.
On top of that, his manager at Strasbourg, Liam Rosenior, now sits on the Stamford Bridge hot seat. In the winter, Paez’s loan was cut short, and he was sent back to South America on a temporary basis. But his stint at River Plate has gotten off to a bad start.
Paez picks up injury after joining River Plate on loan from Chelsea
Paez was injured during the recent match between River Plate and Velez Sarsfield. He came on in the second half, but he was only able to play 25 minutes before having to leave the field.
According to Studio Futbol, Paez will be sidelined for two to four weeks after suffering a left shoulder injury. This is the estimated recovery time, subject to the evolution of the pain and his response to the treatment, which he will begin immediately.
Relief as Paez avoids long-term injury
The relief is that Paez has managed to avoid any long-term injury. Now, let’s see how his recovery goes. He should back on the pitch in the near future.
The bigger worry surrounding Paez is about his issues on the pitch. For a while now, it looks like his game has not taken a meaningful step forward. On the contrary, you could argue that his levels have declined.
Then again, one has to remember that Paez is still just 18 years of age. He has plenty of time to develop and reach the potential that he showed while breaking through at Independiente del Valle.
So far, he has made just two appearances off the bench for River Plate. Hopefully, he will eventually succeed in establishing himself as a starter. But if he does, there is little he will ever be good enough for Chelsea.
