Boca forced into change as Santiago Ascacíbar sidelined for Instituto match | OneFootball

Boca coach Claudio Úbeda has suffered a blow, with Santiago Ascacíbar ruled out for the weekend after a left hamstring strain, according to LaNumer12.com.ar. The 12th-round meeting with Instituto is at La Bombonera on Sunday.

His absence forces a midfield reshuffle. Úbeda’s swift call in the previous game points to Ander Herrera as the leading option to partner Leandro Paredes.

The Spaniard was first off the bench when Ascacíbar could not continue and came off in the second half against Unión. Starting Herrera would bring less bite but greater control of possession. Úbeda’s set-up would be completed by Milton Delgado and Tomás Aranda to aid circulation.

Despite frustration at losing an undisputed starter, the upcoming FIFA window after the Instituto game offers some relief. The pause could reduce the number of matches Ascacíbar misses.

The medical staff aim for full healing by the first weekend of April, with a direct return targeted for the visit to Talleres. Failing that, the midfield would remain unchanged until the subsequent clásico with Independiente.

Boca face Instituto this weekend, then have the following weekend off due to the FIFA date. Activity resumes the weekend of five April with a trip to Talleres in Córdoba.

After visiting Talleres, their first Copa Libertadores group game is slated for midweek on Wednesday eight April. The weekend of 12 they will host Independiente, with the second continental fixture in between, then the following weekend they visit River at the Monumental.

Source: LaNumer12.com.ar