Kendry Paez Excluded From Chelsea Plans Ahead of Leeds Cup Tie
Chelsea will look to respond to their 2-1 Premier League loss at Arsenal when Leeds United visit in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, but Kendry Paez will not be involved as the midfielder has been excluded from Xabi Alonso’s first-team plans.
Paez faces an uncertain Chelsea future
Alonso confirmed on Tuesday that the 19-year-old Ecuador international is not under consideration for the senior squad, despite Chelsea having explored an English loan for him before the September 1 deadline.
Paez joined Chelsea last summer after a pre-contract agreement was reached in 2023. He spent last season with Strasbourg and returned from a loan spell at River Plate last month, but he is yet to make a competitive appearance for the London club.
The midfielder had been valued at £17.3 million, yet no domestic temporary transfer was completed before the window shut. Alonso’s assessment left little room for doubt: “He is not in the plans at the moment,” the Chelsea head coach said, adding that Paez is outside the first-team group.
With the English market closed, Paez may have to remain without minutes until January unless a move can be arranged in a country whose registration period is still open. Brazil, Mexico and Greece are identified as the available potential destinations.
Estevao retains Alonso’s confidence
The situation is markedly different for Estevao. The Brazilian winger has played less frequently under Alonso than he did during the spells of Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior, prompting suggestions that he could leave in January. Alonso rejected that idea and stressed that the teenager remains fully part of his plans.
Estevao made an impact after coming on late against Arsenal and has continued to train well. Alonso said the forward was prepared to contribute and praised both his attitude and his readiness for selection.
The 19-year-old started Chelsea’s previous Carabao Cup tie, a 2-0 victory over Luton Town, and could again be used on the right side against Leeds. He is in contention either to begin the match or to provide a second-half option.
Wednesday’s match offers a response and rotation opportunity
Chelsea enter the Leeds tie after their defeat at the Emirates, where Arsenal won 2-1 on Sunday. The cup fixture gives Alonso scope to refresh his side while seeking a place in the next round.
The Blues had previously opened their league campaign with victories over Fulham and Brighton. Progress against Leeds would provide an immediate response to the Arsenal setback, while also allowing Alonso to make a clearer distinction between players pressing for a role and those currently outside his group.
Key sequence
- Chelsea began their league season with wins against Fulham and Brighton.
- They then lost 2-1 away to Arsenal on Sunday.
- Alonso addressed the media on Tuesday and ruled Paez out of his first-team plans.
- Chelsea host Leeds United in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.
Key takeaways
- Paez will not feature against Leeds and has not made his Chelsea debut.
- An English loan could not be completed before the September 1 deadline.
- Estevao remains in Alonso’s plans despite reduced playing time this season.
- The Brazilian winger started the 2-0 cup win over Luton Town and appeared from the bench against Arsenal.
- Chelsea can use the Leeds match to rotate their squad and restore momentum.
