Racing without captain Sosa for crucial clash with Flamengo | OneFootball

Racing will have a major absence for the second leg against Flamengo in the Libertadores semifinal. In addition to losing 1-0 at Maracanã, the Argentine team also lost its captain, midfielder Santiago Sosa, who underwent surgery and will not return for the clash with the Rubro-Negro.

Sosa suffered a jaw fracture during the match at Maracanã, after a heavy collision with his teammate Marcos Rojo. The captain stayed on the field despite the injury, but it was already known that he had little chance of playing in the second leg. The midfielder underwent successful surgery and is expected to be out for a month and a half.

How will Racing play without their captain?

Coach Gustavo Costas will have difficulties assembling the team that will take the field in Avellaneda. Although he will have Juan Nardoni back, Sosa’s usual midfield partner, the Argentine coach is expected to make changes to the tactical system.

In the first leg, Racing played with Sosa dropping back as a third center-back, allowing Rojas and Martirena to push forward on the flanks. Without the captain, the tendency is for Bruno Zuculini to drop back and for Nardoni to play further forward, as a right wing-back. The team should maintain the 3-4-3 formation, but with adjustments in positioning.

It’s semifinal time!

Racing without Sosa and Flamengo without Pedro will take the field this Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time) in Avellaneda. If the Argentine team wins by one goal, the match will go to penalties. A draw qualifies the Rubro-Negro.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.