Enzo Pérez may bid farewell to River fans at the Monumental | OneFootball

At a crucial moment in River's challenging year, Enzo Pérez might return as a starter this Sunday against Gimnasia. This would not only bring a new dynamic to the midfield but also the possibility for the captain to play what could be his last match at the Monumental. The same situation, although from the bench, could be faced by Ignacio Fernández, Milton Casco, and Gonzalo Martínez.

The 39-year-old from Mendoza has already recovered from the knee cut he suffered against Palmeiras in Brazil, and given the importance of the clash against Lobo, Marcelo Gallardo might restore his place among the starting 11. It remains to be seen if he pairs him with Juan Carlos Portillo and opts to support them with more offensive midfielders or if he fills the midfield with them plus Kevin Castaño for more balance.

Whatever Muñeco's final decision, the fact is that, given River's position in Group B of the Torneo Clausura, there is a real chance that this could be Enzo Pérez's last opportunity to play at the Monumental. Even if they become champions, since the Millonario is fifth in Group B, four points behind Vélez, they might have to play all the series up to the final as visitors.

He is not the only hero from Madrid who might have their farewell in Núñez. In that unforgettable 2018 Copa Libertadores won against Boca at the Santiago Bernabéu, Casco, Nacho Fernández, and Pity Martínez were also present, although all three would be among the substitutes. Like Enzo, they would all end their cycle at River at the end of the year.

No one at River wants this to be the last picture of these four symbols of Gallardo's golden era. With nine points at stake (Gimnasia, Boca, and Vélez), River has the chance to climb the table and secure a home advantage in some knockout stage, but there is no room for error. Nonetheless, the focus today is on accumulating as many points as possible to qualify for the next Copa Libertadores through the annual table.

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