Vasco da Gama to face Barracas Central without Renato Portaluppi and with youthful squad | OneFootball

Renato Portaluppi has opted not to travel to Buenos Aires for Vasco da Gama’s Copa Sudamericana Group G opener against Barracas Central, and will field a side packed with youngsters.

According to SuperDepor.com, the Rio de Janeiro club visit the Estadio Florencio Sola in Banfield on Tuesday at 19:00, with assistant Marcelo Sales set to lead the team on the night. For Barracas Central, it marks their first ever match in international competition.

Portaluppi argues the club must prioritise the Brasileirão, saying the squad is thin and further injuries would be costly. He insists the Sudamericana is not being neglected, but that players are human and cannot be pushed beyond their limits.

He also noted the impracticality of taking the full group to Argentina, then immediately crossing Brazil to play again on Saturday.

After facing Barracas Central, Vasco are due to travel to Belén to meet Remo in the far north of Brazil, a fixture described as pivotal in their fight for survival.

Source: SuperDepor.com