Boca Juniors Adjust Lineup for Critical Copa Libertadores Match Against Cruzeiro
Boca Juniors is preparing for a decisive Copa Libertadores match against Cruzeiro at La Bombonera, aiming to secure round of 16 qualification. Coach Claudio Ubeda is implementing significant lineup changes due to suspensions and injuries, including Santiago Ascacibar’s absence and Adam Bareiro’s injury. Tomás Belmonte and Ángel Romero are expected starters, while Edinson Cavani remains doubtful despite recent training. The team faces high stakes to avoid elimination from the continental tournament amidst a squad crisis affecting both defense and attack.
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Cavani Likely Excluded from Boca Juniors Squad Against Cruzeiro
Edinson Cavani faces probable exclusion from Boca Juniors' squad for the crucial Copa Libertadores match against Cruzeiro, despite training with the team throughout the week. The Uruguayan forward, who has struggled with lumbar issues for over a year, showed promising signs during recent practices, raising hopes for a return after three months of inactivity. However, coaching staff prioritized physical readiness given the high stakes of the upcoming fixture. Coach Claudio Ubeda is expected to omit Cavani from the traveling party, favoring players with better current form. Lucas Janson is set to replace the injured Adam Bareiro in the striker position. Additionally, Carlos Palacios will miss the match, meaning he will reach the end of the semester without having played a single minute in 2026. The final squad list size remains uncertain, pending confirmation of whether 23 or 24 players will be called up. This decision marks a significant setback for Cavani's attempt to contribute to Boca's push for the Round of 16.
www.ole.com.ar - HomeBoca Juniors' Key Absences Ahead of Crucial Copa Libertadores Match Against Cruzeiro
Boca Juniors faces a critical early final against Cruzeiro in the Copa Libertadores, marked by significant player absences that threaten their campaign. The team's momentum has stalled following recent defeats, raising concerns about their ability to advance. Key forward Adam Bareiro is ruled out due to adductor and abdomen injuries sustained against Huracán, forcing coach Claudio Ubeda to consider Ángel Romero or Milton Giménez as replacements, though neither has fully adapted to the system. Midfielder Santiago Ascacibar is suspended following an expulsion, with Tomás Belmonte expected to join Leandro Paredes and Milton Delgado in midfield. Additionally, starting goalkeeper Agustín Marchesin remains sidelined with a ligament tear, while Edinson Cavani’s recovery remains uncertain. Defensive adjustments include Malcom Braida potentially starting at right-back due to Marcelo Weigandt’s absence. These casualties compound a decline in form and emotional resilience, putting pressure on Boca to secure a positive result to avoid early elimination from the tournament.
www.ole.com.ar - HomeBoca Juniors Face Striker Crisis Ahead of Crucial Libertadores Match Against Cruzeiro
Boca Juniors manager Claudio Ubeda faces a significant squad crisis ahead of their critical Copa Libertadores match against Cruzeiro. The team is severely depleted in the center-forward position, with key players unavailable due to injury or lack of fitness. Adam Bareiro remains sidelined while recovering from a double tear suffered earlier in the season. His intended replacement, Milton Giménez, has developed an ankle issue that makes his participation doubtful. Additionally, star signing Edinson Cavani is still struggling with lower back pain and lacks match rhythm, limiting him to a potential bench role at best. Consequently, Ubeda is forced to deploy Ángel Romero, traditionally a winger, as the primary striker alongside Miguel Merentiel. Although Romero recently scored his first goal for the club, he is not a natural number nine. This shortage of offensive options highlights ongoing fitness issues within the squad as Boca seeks a vital victory at La Bombonera to keep their advancement hopes alive in the tournament.
www.ole.com.ar - HomeBoca Juniors Plan Three Lineup Changes for Crucial Libertadores Match Against Cruzeiro
Boca Juniors are preparing for a critical Copa Libertadores match against Cruzeiro, viewed as a must-win game to secure qualification for the round of 16 following their elimination from domestic cup competition. Coach Claudio Ubeda is implementing three significant changes to the starting lineup to improve defensive balance and attacking efficiency. Malcom Braida is set to start on the right side, replacing Marcelo Weigandt, a tactical shift aimed at facilitating cleaner ball distribution from the back. In midfield, Tomás Belmonte will replace the suspended Santiago Ascacibar, gaining preference over the injured Ezequiel Herrera. Up front, Ángel Romero is poised to replace Adam Bareiro alongside Darío Benedetto or Merentiel, capitalizing on his recent goal against Huracán, while Milton Giménez remains doubtful due to injury. Additionally, the team received positive news regarding the recovery of key players Carlos Palacios and Edinson Cavani, who participated in training sessions, although their inclusion in the final squad for Tuesday's match remains undecided. The article highlights the high stakes for Boca Juniors as they focus entirely on their continental campaign.
www.ole.com.ar - HomeBoca Juniors Set for Three Lineup Changes Against Cruzeiro in Crucial Libertadores Match
Boca Juniors is preparing for a critical Copa Libertadores match against Cruzeiro, aiming to secure qualification for the round of 16 following their recent elimination from domestic competition. Coach Claudio Ubeda is implementing three significant changes to the starting lineup to ensure defensive balance and offensive efficiency. The most notable adjustment involves Malcom Braida starting on the right side, replacing Marcelo Weigandt, a tactical shift designed to improve ball distribution from the back. In midfield, Tomás Belmonte will start in place of the suspended Santiago Ascacibar, outranking Juan Barinaga for the position. Upfront, Ángel Romero is favored to replace Adam Bareiro alongside Merentiel, as Milton Giménez remains doubtful due to injury. Romero earned this opportunity after a strong performance against Huracán, where he scored a goal. These changes reflect the high stakes of the Tuesday encounter, which the team views as a final must-win game to avoid complicating their tournament progression. The article highlights the strategic decisions made during practice sessions leading up to the decisive fixture.
www.ole.com.ar - HomeCavani's Potential Return Boosts Boca Juniors Ahead of Crucial Libertadores Clash with Cruzeiro
Boca Juniors coach Diego Martínez, known as 'El Sifón,' is utilizing Saturday's training session to finalize the starting lineup for a critical Copa Libertadores match against Brazilian side Cruzeiro at La Bombonera. The team faces forced changes due to Santiago Ascacibar's suspension following his expulsion against Barcelona SC and Adam Bareiro's injury sustained against Huracán. Tomás Belmonte is the favored replacement for Ascacibar, while Ander Herrera remains an option despite recent muscle issues. Milton Giménez is expected to step in for the injured Bareiro. A significant development is Edinson Cavani's medical clearance; after recovering from back problems and limited play since February, the 39-year-old striker trained normally. While a start is unlikely due to fitness concerns, Cavani is expected to feature off the bench if he responds well to physical demands during practice. Additionally, Marcelo Weigandt's substitution in the previous match opens the door for Malcom Braida to potentially start at right back. These tactical decisions are pivotal for Boca's classification hopes in the tournament.
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