Due to the FIFA break, Boca set to lose Paredes for two crucial matches | OneFootball

If Boca is walking on a winding, irregular path without a clear direction with Leandro Paredes, one of the few high points of the team and the standout figure, a giant question arises about how it will function without his presence. And, unfortunately for Miguel Ángel Russo, that complex scenario is highly likely to occur soon.

The tight schedule and the threat of the upcoming FIFA date could leave the Xeneize without their ace, just when everything is at stake in the Torneo Clausura and the annual table, where they were momentarily left out of the qualifying spots for the Copa Libertadores after the defeat against Defensa y Justicia.

Specifically, the Argentine National Team has two friendlies lined up in October: on the 10th, against Venezuela in Miami; and on the 13th, against Puerto Rico in Chicago. In that call-up, Paredes has already been reserved and barring any unforeseen events, he will be present, as he is part of the backbone of the team led by Lionel Scaloni.

So, what's the problem then? That weekend, more precisely on Saturday 10/11, Boca will have to visit Barracas Central and the midfielder would miss the match if his call-up is confirmed.

For the Xeneize, the inconvenience doesn't end with Paredes. From Chile, the notice came that both Carlos Palacios and Williams Alarcón were reserved by Nicolás Córdova for the Roja's preparation matches, so they could also be left out.

In addition to this, although he is lower in Russo's consideration, Milton Delgado will also not be available, as he is playing in the Under-20 World Cup with the Argentine National Team. Of course, this is only if the national team is not eliminated beforehand.

In any case, the key lies in Paredes' absence against Barracas and the fatigue he will suffer not only from the matches but also from the return trip. The midfielder would rejoin just in time for the match against Belgrano on October 19th, although he is expected to be in playing condition. As if this were not enough, the Superclásico looms on the horizon: November 9th.

Precisely in November, the Argentine National Team has two more friendlies scheduled, against Angola and India. In light of this, Paredes might prioritize the Superclásico before joining the national delegation. But, if this happens, he would still miss the last match against Tigre and would return for the potential Playoffs if Boca qualifies.

Thus, Russo and his coaching staff will have to plan how to make up for the absence of their main figure in the final stretch of the Torneo Clausura, with matches that will not only determine their qualification for the knockout phase but will also be crucial to secure Boca's presence in the next Copa Libertadores, from the annual table. The good news is that Ander Herrera returned against Defensa and stands as a concrete alternative.

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