Chelsea are all set to feature in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup and have announced their squad for the tournament.
While the likes of Liam Delap are expected to make their debut for the club at the tournament, fans could not help but notice one surprising omission from the squad.
Many Chelsea fans would have been hoping to see Kendry Paez at the Club World Cup. The attacking midfielder has finally been allowed to join Chelsea after turning 18 last month.
However, it is being reported that Paez has been excluded from Chelsea’s squad for the tournament, with the Blues planning on sending him out on loan to Strasbourg.
The Blues have opted to take Christopher Nkunku instead, which is baffling since the Frenchman is linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge when the second transfer window opens next week.
His spot could have easily gone to Paez, who could have provided cover for Cole Palmer in the No.10 position. But that is clearly not the direction that the club want to go in.
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How Chelsea fans have reacted to Kendry Paez snub
It is fair to say that some Chelsea supporters are not happy with the news that Paez will not be on the plane to the US.
One Chelsea fan on X said: “I’m sad we won’t get to see Kendry Paez play for Chelsea at the Club World Cup.”
Another posted: “Really don’t get this still. You’re gonna take players like Nkunku who have said they want to go and are going to go but you won’t give players like Paez a chance?”
As things stand, then, Paez is unlikely to make his Chelsea debut until the 2026/27 season. It is a shame, as the Club World Cup could have been a great platform for him to prove himself.
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