Chelsea have been dealt a fresh injury blow as highly-rated loanee Kendry Paez suffered a serious shoulder injury while playing for River Plate. The 18-year-old Ecuador international joined the Argentine club late in the January transfer window after being recalled from a stint at Strasbourg.
Paez came on at half-time during River's 1-0 defeat to Velez Sarsfield on Sunday, but lasted just 25 minutes before being forced off. He went close to scoring an equaliser, drawing a smart save from the goalkeeper, but landed awkwardly following an aerial duel with Claudio Baeza.
The midfielder immediately signalled to the bench that he was in pain and attempted to play on after receiving treatment, but was ultimately replaced. He was pictured post-match with his left arm in a bulky, padded sling and an ice pack strapped to his shoulder.
The extent of the injury has not yet been confirmed, though Paez will hope to recover in time to represent Ecuador at this summer's World Cup. He has made just two appearances for River since his loan move.
Paez numbers among the various young talents signed by Chelsea since BlueCo's takeover. He joined the Blues ahead of last summer's Club World Cup, training with the squad but not making an appearance. He began this season on loan at Strasbourg, making 22 appearances, before being reassigned to River Plate.
Paez will return to Chelsea when his loan spell expires upon the completion of the Argentine domestic campaign in December.
