Last summer, Kendry Paez looked like the next potential wonderkid to walk through the door at Chelsea. But after moving to London, the Ecuador international has had to grow up fast.
Having played 70 times for Ecuadorian side Independiente, and scoring 13 goals, Chelsea decided to spend £17m and lure the attacking midfielder to Stamford Bridge. But, instantly, he went on loan.
For the first half of the season, Paez was loaned to Strasbourg where he played 21 times, largely as a substitute and mostly under Liam Rosenior. But Chelsea felt a change was needed in January.
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Chelsea's dropped points from winning positions at home this season
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That saw the Blues recall him, and send him on loan to River Plate. More familiar surroundings back in South America, the hope being that he would get game time at one of the world’s biggest clubs.
But if Chelsea were hoping for Paez to hit the ground running, it hasn’t happened. Marcelo Gallardo opted not to use Paez in his first two matches due to a lack of fitness, with Paez struggling for minutes.
Kendry Paez suffers shoulder injury in River Plate defeat
Before Sunday night, Paez had come off the bench once for River, a 1-0 defeat to Argentinos Juniors. Argentine media were harsh on Paez, who was given just 19 minutes. River Plate fans also had their say.
Kendry Paez v Velez Sarsfield
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Then, last night, Paez was introduced at half time against Velez Sarsfield. Former West Ham star Manuel Lanzini had put Velez 1-0 up, and Paez came on at the break as River looked to avoid a third straight loss.
But 24 minutes later, Paez was clutching his left shoulder after a bad fall. What should have been 45 minutes under the belt, ended with injury halfway through. River would go on to lose the game 1-0.
Paez attempted to continue after the clash with Claudio Baeza, but eventually had to go off. TyC Sports say Paez will undergo tests on Monday to determine the extent of the injury to his left clavicle.
Chelsea’s business in January is getting worse
Paez’s struggling start to life in Argentina is just one example of Chelsea getting the January window wrong. The Blues failed to sign any new senior players, and Saturday proved a defender was needed.
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Recklessly, Wesley Fofana dived in while on a yellow and proved that despite being one of Chelsea’s more-experienced defenders, the Blues need better. Mamadou Sarr has been recalled from Strasbourg.
But the African Cup of Nations winner has started just once, against Hull. He was captaining the French side before being recalled. Aaron Anselmino, who replaced Sarr, has managed just two late cameos.
Chelsea got it wrong in January. Paez is struggling more so than he did in France, Anselmino more than he did at Dortmund and Sarr, although impressive against Hull, is struggling to play for Chelsea.
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