Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso says Kendry Paez is not in his current first‑team plans.
At 19, Paez was touted as one of South America’s most promising prospects, but his development has stalled in recent seasons.
He struggled during a loan spell with River Plate earlier this year, prompting Chelsea to recall him ahead of the transfer window.
Speculation linked Paez to a return to the first team under Alonso, yet those rumours have been quashed.
Speaking to reporters, Alonso clarified: “At the moment he is not part of the first‑team squad. No, he is not part of the plans – as for whether he could feature soon, the answer is no.”
Alonso indicated that Paez is likely to be loaned out early in the new year, giving Chelsea enough time to secure a suitable club for the youngster.
Meanwhile, another young talent, Estevao, has cemented his place in the squad and is expected to start in the Carabao Cup third‑round match against Leeds United tonight.
