Captain's Confirmation
Leandro Paredes, the captain and midfield engine of Boca Juniors, confirmed on Sunday that he will miss the decisive Copa Sudamericana clash against Recoleta. The 32-year-old World Cup winner left the pitch at halftime during Saturday's 1-1 draw against Platense and later posted on Instagram: “Now it's time to rest, recover and come back stronger than before”, accompanied by blue and yellow hearts and a flexed bicep emoji.
Medical reports indicate Paredes is dealing with inflammation in his left hamstring, not a tear. The midfielder had been carrying a heavy workload, having played seven matches in 23 days since returning from the FIFA World Cup with Argentina. Despite warnings about fatigue, he started against Platense, and the strain finally took its toll.
More Bad News: Lozano and Pellegrino Also Out
The injury crisis doesn't stop with Paredes. Leandro Lozano and Marco Pellegrino, both starters against Platense, also suffered muscle injuries and have been ruled out of Tuesday's match. Lozano has similar inflammation in his right leg, while Pellegrino's situation is more serious: the defender reportedly suffered a tear in his left thigh and could be sidelined for several weeks.
Pellegrino left the field in tears at the end of the first half against Platense, a worrying sign that was later confirmed by medical tests. Coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena had initially downplayed the injury, saying in a press conference: “He had an overload. We'll see in the coming days”, but the reality proved harsher.
Injury Report Summary
| Player | Injury | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Leandro Paredes | Left hamstring inflammation | Possible return vs. Racing (Aug 23) |
| Leandro Lozano | Right leg inflammation | Under evaluation |
| Marco Pellegrino | Left thigh tear | Several weeks |
The Big Match in Asunción
Boca will defend their 3-1 first-leg advantage on Tuesday at 7:00 PM Argentina time (6:00 PM ET) at the Estadio Defensores del Chaco in Asunción, Paraguay. The first leg was played at Tomás Adolfo Ducó stadium in Buenos Aires, where Boca took control of the tie. A win or draw would send them to the quarterfinals, where they would face the winner of Bolívar vs. São Paulo.
Losing Paredes is a significant blow both emotionally and tactically. The former PSG and Juventus midfielder has been the team's leader since returning to the club, and his absence will be felt in midfield. However, Boca's squad depth will be tested, and this match represents an opportunity for other players to step up.
Possible Replacements and Valencia's Return
Arruabarrena has several options to replace Paredes. Tomás Belmonte and Camilo Rey Domenech are the natural candidates if he maintains the current formation, though he could also tweak the tactical setup. In defense, Ayrton Costa would likely take Pellegrino's spot, while 20-year-old Dylan Gorosito is the frontrunner to replace Lozano at right back.
There's good news on the horizon: Enner Valencia, the club's newest signing, could be included in the matchday squad for the first time. The 36-year-old Ecuadorian striker hasn't played since June 30, when Ecuador was eliminated from the World Cup by Mexico. He's been undergoing a fitness program and is expected to travel to Paraguay, likely starting on the bench.
Looking Ahead: Racing on Sunday
Paredes could potentially return for the Sunday, August 23 match against Racing, corresponding to matchday 6 of the Torneo Clausura. His recovery progress will be monitored daily. Meanwhile, the team must prove they can compete without their captain in a match that could define their season.
The probable lineup for Boca against Recoleta: Álvaro Montero; Dylan Gorosito, Lautaro Di Lollo, Ayrton Costa, Lautaro Blanco; Tomás Belmonte, Milton Delgado, Santiago Ascacibar; Tomás Aranda, Miguel Merentiel, and Leoinel Flores. Sebastián Villa, who started against Platense, is competing for a spot in the starting eleven.
Tuesday's match against Recoleta is a test of character for a team that, despite the absences, trusts in the depth of its squad to continue advancing in the Copa Sudamericana. The Xeneize faithful will be watching closely as their team looks to secure a spot in the quarterfinals.
Sources: TyC Sports, Olé, ESPN Argentina