Bad news for Boca: Miguel Merentiel injured and may miss Católica | OneFootball

With only six days to go before the match between Boca and Universidad Católica, a major blow was confirmed for Claudio Úbeda’s team: Miguel Merentiel suffered a muscle injury that rules him out of the decisive match. 

The Uruguayan forward will not be able to play in the “final” the Xeneize will face next Thursday at La Bombonera. In yesterday’s training session, his absence alongside the rest of his teammates drew attention, but Boca quickly reported that it was only temporary. According to the club, it was a matter of workload management.

However, this Saturday he was absent from training again and raised alarm bells. The coaching staff quickly made it known that it is a muscle injury. What began as discomfort, was ultimately confirmed to be a tear.

Miguel Merentiel will not be able to play against Católica.

Although it is a small tear in his right soleus, this injury will prevent the "Beast" from playing in the match on Thursday, May 28, scheduled for 9:30 p.m. at Alberto J. Armando Stadium.

Who will replace Merentiel at Boca

The big question now is who will replace the Uruguayan striker up front to start the match against the Cruzados, which the Xeneize side is obliged to win in order to advance to the round of 16 of the 2026 Copa Libertadores.

Úbeda has 4 training sessions left to decide the team.

Adam Bareiro is also injured and is still working to recover in time, but it is very difficult for him to make it. Meanwhile, Edinson Cavani has been training with the team and hopes to get an opportunity, although the coaching staff feel he is short on match fitness.

El Sifón will have to decide whether to keep the same system or, with Merentiel out, change the tactical setup so that someone like Changuito Zeballos can come in.

Keep reading:

Boca opened the semifinal with a loss to Quimsa

Wilmar Roldán will be the referee for Boca vs. Universidad Católica: the background

Boca today: the squad trains with Católica in mind and the basketball team plays

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