Carlos Palacios could return to Boca's starting line-up | OneFootball

The possible inclusion of Carlos Palacios in the starting eleven has emerged as Rodolfo Arruabarrena’s main tactical solution following Alan Velasco’s injury. Xeneize is entering a decisive stretch of the semester and urgently needs to rebuild its attacking structure for the upcoming matches.

The rout over Unión left many positives for the Boquense side, but one negative on the physical front. Alan Velasco suffered a minor muscle tear, was replaced in the second half, and his absence forces the coach to look for immediate alternatives. The club from La Ribera will face Instituto next Friday in Córdoba and then host Vasco da Gama in the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana semifinals.

With this demanding schedule ahead, the coaching staff is evaluating who will fill that vacant creative role against La Gloria, a match that will be played on Friday, October 9, starting at 7:30 p.m. Carlos Palacios and Sebastián Villa are the leading candidates to take the open spot.

Carlos Palacios had a long spell of inactivity and is gradually returning to his best form. Photo: Javier Martino/CABJ Press.

During this semester, the Chilean logged valuable minutes, mostly coming off the bench to change the flow of matches and, above all, to manage the workload of the usual starters. He only started and played the full 90 minutes against Central Córdoba on September 11. In the rest of the recent matches for the blue-and-gold club, he provided fresh solutions in the second halves.

Carlos Palacios’ strong form

The first major argument in favor of the attacker lies in his undeniable influence in his recent appearances. Against Racing in the Copa Argentina, he delivered a perfect cross for Valencia’s goal that sealed the final 3-2 win for the Boquense side. In addition, against Unión he linked up flawlessly with Paredes and Delgado, taking part in quick triangles and drawing repeated fouls near the box.

The second factor tipping the scales is a direct tactical precedent from Arruabarrena this season. When the squad lost Aranda to a fracture, the coach chose Velasco to maintain the original setup without altering the shape of the midfield. That precedent suggests that the Vasco will once again opt for a player with good ball control and link-up play so the structure does not suffer.

Rodolfo Arruabarrena is chiefly responsible for Palacios’ noticeable improvement. Photo: Alejandro Pagni/AFP via Getty Images.

Carlos Palacios managed to put his off-field problems behind him, which Arruabarrena mentioned in a press conference, admitting that the player was going through a difficult situation and that the coaching staff were supporting him. The manager’s arrival was key in helping the “Jewel” reset his mindset; in June, he had cast doubt on his future at the club, and now he seems to be getting back on track.

If his place in the starting eleven is confirmed, Xeneize would be betting on maintaining possession and taking the initiative in the opposition’s half. It will be a real test for the Chilean, who has the footballing backing needed to claim a starting spot at a pivotal moment in the year.

Palacios’ matches this year

Keep reading:

Tickets for Boca vs. Instituto in Córdoba: prices and how to buy them

Boca’s player ratings in the rout over Unión

Boca thrashed Unión at La Bombonera and is going for it all

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