Chelsea have a whole host of players competing at this summer’s World Cup even with Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro and Estevao all missing out – but one player has just received an injury scare.
It is just three days until the tournament kicks off on Thursday evening when Mexico take on South Africa. A few hours later, South Korea will play host to the Czech Republic. The excitement is certainly growing.
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Nations are currently competing in warm-up games, with most countries playing twice within a week of their first actual World Cup match. England beat New Zealand and will face Costa Rica on Wednesday.
It has already seen players pick up injuries before the start of the tournament. Brazil have had to replace Roma defender Wesley and Strasbourg star Julio Enciso has been ruled out of Paraguay’s campaign.
Ecuador win but Chelsea star Kendry Paez in late injury scare
Late on Sunday evening, Moises Caicedo and Kendry Paez both helped Ecuador finish their preparation for the World Cup with a 3-0 win over Guatemala. Both Chelsea players featured for 45 minutes.
But it was River Plate loanee Paez who suffered a late injury scare ahead of Ecuador’s first fixture of the World Cup. They face Ivory Coast on Sunday evening at midnight, before Curacao and then Germany.
Paez, who has endured a difficult few months with injury, was seen getting treatment during the first half of Ecuador’s 3-0 win. Along with a few of his teammates, he was then substituted during the break.
Ecuador manager Sebastien Beccacece spoke about a potential injury to Paez and teammates Kevin Yeboah and Alan Minda, but alleviated any concerns that Ecuador might be without the attacking trio.
“I have no comment on Yeboah’s injury being serious. Alan Minda just had a knock to his ankle, one of those things that happen in a game. Kendry is fine, I haven’t been informed of anything either,” he said.
Kendry Paez needs to shine at the World Cup
Bought for £17m by Chelsea from Independiente Del Valle, Paez has endured a difficult 12 months after being sent on loan to Strasbourg under Liam Rosenior, and then River Plate during the January window.
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Constant knocks have limited the teenager’s progress. Paez’s loan at River Plate is due to go beyond the summer window, with Chelsea recognising the need to get game time and experience under his belt.
But there have been reports of Paez’s attitude affecting his performance, with River manager Eduardo Coudet less than satisfied. For many reasons, Paez needs a good World Cup and get some rhythm back.
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