Xabi Alonso has made it clear that Chelsea are not planning to add another midfielder to their first-team setup.

Nineteen-year-old Kendry Paez has returned to London following a loan spell at River Plate, after the Argentine club brought that arrangement to an end.

Alonso has now confirmed that Paez will not be involved in Chelsea’s first-team plans this season, after the Blues were unable to secure another loan move in England for the Ecuadorian.

Paez played only 469 minutes for River Plate in 2026 and registered two goal contributions. His most recent appearance for the club came in late May, when he made a 13-minute cameo.

When asked whether Paez would have any part to play in Chelsea’s first team before January, the Spaniard swiftly dismissed the possibility.

Alonso said: “No, no. He is not part of the plans. At the moment, he is not part of the first team squad.”

The 19-year-old had been expected to head out on loan again for the 2026/27 season, but Chelsea could not complete a deal before the British transfer window shut.

Based on Alonso’s remarks, it appears Paez is likely to be prioritised for another loan switch in January, with the preference seemingly for him to remain in England.

The Ecuador international has not played for Chelsea since the Blues signed him in July 2025 in a deal worth more than £17 million.

Since then, he has had loan spells with both River Plate and Ligue 1 club Strasbourg. During his time with the French side, he made 20 appearances, totalling 711 minutes, and scored once.

More recently, the 19-year-old saw game time in Ecuador’s Round of 32 defeat to Mexico at the 2026 World Cup. He did not feature in any of the nation’s three group-stage matches.

Alonso’s decision to keep Paez away from the Blues’ first-team picture comes at a time when both Moises Caicedo and Premier League veteran Jordan Henderson are unavailable through injury.

The Spaniard is unwilling to rush his fellow Ecuadorian back into action, even though the player has resumed training with Chelsea, while Henderson is still out with the injury he suffered in North America.

Alonso’s side return to action in the Carabao Cup when they face Leeds United this evening at 8pm BST.