At the start of the season, Kendry Paez will have seen it as an opportunity to show Chelsea that he has what it takes to make the breakthrough. But last night, Paez will have been more frustrated than ever.
The 18-year-old has endured a topsy-turvy 12 months. Signed by Chelsea for ÂŁ17m in the summer of 2024, he went back on loan to boyhood club Independiente Del Valle for the entire 2024-25 season.
Last summer, Paez went on loan to Strasbourg under Liam Rosenior but was only a fringe player. It saw him sent to River Plate in January, with a view to getting Paez more game time in Argentina.
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But Paez failed to start under Marcelo Gallardo, managing just three sub outings in seven River Plate matches. However, the appointment of Eduardo Coudet as Gallardo’s replacement was good news.
Paez started his first game for River last time out, a 2-1 away win over Huracán under Coudet, and then on Sunday night, Coudet started Paez again. A game River were expected to win against Sarmiento.
Just when things looked good, more Paez frustration
River cruised to a 2-0 win, with a goal in each half. It was Paez’s beautiful cross that saw River score their first goal, a brief scramble ending in Sebastian Druissi backheeling into the net. A real positive for Paez.
Huracan v River Plate - Torneo Apertura 2026
Photo by Federico Peretti/NurPhoto via Getty Images
But Paez has endured a frustrating season, and last night was no different. Shortly after his assist, Paez landed awkwardly, and while he managed to get to half-time, Paez was forced off injured at the break.
According to TyC Sports, Paez has picked up a knee injury, and as things stand, it is unclear how long the Ecuador ace will be sidelined. It is not believed to be serious, but it has hampered any momentum.
Not the first time Paez has been forced off with an injury
Remarkably, that was only Paez’s fifth appearance for River, and only his second start since he was sent on loan to the Argentine giants. In his third outing, a substitute appearance, Paez came on at half-time.
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River beat Banfield, but just 26 minutes into the second half, Paez was forced off after being subbed on. The youngster had fallen awkwardly on his shoulder, and he was not used in River’s next match.
With Paez desperate to prove himself to onlookers at Chelsea, and indeed, get himself into good form ahead of the World Cup with Ecuador, injury is preventing the youngster from garnering any momentum.
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