The three River players set to join after Tigre | OneFootball

The return of Matías Viña and the inclusion of Maximiliano Salas for the injured Sebastián Driussi are the only two changes River will present to face Tigre this Saturday at the Monumental. However, for the subsequent match against Argentinos in La Paternal, there could be three significant updates: the return to the starting lineup of Franco Armani and Marcos Acuña, and the call-up of Kendry Páez.

The coach is very pleased with what the Uruguayan full-back has done since his arrival, despite his immature expulsion against Gimnasia, and that's why he will give Huevo almost another week to get ready after a preseason in which he had to deal with a severe injury to one of his feet. Out of necessity, the world champion had his first minutes of the year in Arroyito, but he was noticeably lacking in rhythm. With more training and more match fitness, it's practically certain he will return to the starting lineup.

In the goal, the situation is similar, although with a greater asymmetry regarding the importance of the names. Armani is the undisputed owner of the position, but a tear and a subsequent inflammation in the Achilles tendon of his right leg have prevented him from playing this year. His place was taken by Santiago Beltrán, who, in fact, has not yet conceded a goal in the River goal (including the two preseason matches).

The Pulpo is already training alongside the rest of the squad and is expected to return on the fifth date against Bicho. The 21-year-old would be his substitute, and Ezequiel Centurión, back from his loan at Independiente Rivadavia, would be in such an uncomfortable situation that it's likely he might return to Mendoza.

The return of two world champions would be the news in the starting 11 for the match in La Paternal on Thursday, February 12 (or, alternatively, for the debut in the Copa Argentina against Ciudad Bolivar on Tuesday, February 17). Besides these two returns, a much-anticipated debut could occur: that of Kendry Páez.

The 18-year-old Ecuadorian has only had a handful of training sessions in River's gear, and the coaching staff decided not to rush his debut. Initially, the idea is for him to adapt to the group, Argentine football, the environment, and the country, and only then step onto the field. There is a possibility he will be in the Diego Armando Maradona for the fifth date of the Apertura, but it's almost certain he will be part of the delegation traveling to San Luis for the round of 32 of the Copa Argentina.

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