Good news for Boca: Miguel Merentiel starts in training ahead of Vélez | OneFootball

Boca received good news during Thursday's training session: Miguel Merentiel took part in the football practice and was in the starting lineup. The Beast has put his muscle tear behind him and is ready to return to the team, which needs his goals.

The Xeneize squad, led by Claudio Úbeda, held their afternoon practice in Ezeiza. Although it was originally scheduled to take place at La Bombonera, it was moved to the training ground due to the rain that fell over Buenos Aires City, in order to protect the pitch at the Alberto J. Armando stadium.

The session focused on football: as usual, the coaching staff decided to hold a formal 11 vs 11 practice. In it, Miguel Merentiel was included in the starting team. However, that wasn’t the only new thing that Sifón Úbeda tried out.

Boca trained in Ezeiza.

The coach opted to try several things: first, the tactical system. He switched from the usual 4-3-3 to try out a 4-4-2, something he has done on other occasions. The absences of Exequiel Zeballos and Ander Herrera were covered by the Beast Merentiel and Milton Delgado, respectively. In addition, Kevin Zenón was added in place of Iker Zufiaurre.

The lineup the coach put together featured Agustín Marchesín in goal and the now usual back four of Juan Barinaga, Lautaro Di Lollo, Ayrton Costa, and Lautaro Blanco. In midfield, Santiago Ascacíbar played on the right wing, Leandro Paredes alongside Milton Delgado in the center, and Kevin Zenón on the left. The attack was formed by Miguel Merentiel and the youngster Gonzalo Gelini.

As such, this could be the team that the coach ultimately decides to field to start the match against Vélez next Sunday at 22:15 at the José Amalfitani stadium. In any case, we’ll have to wait until Saturday’s practice to have more certainty about what Sifón will do.

Boca’s absences for the visit to Vélez

For this match, corresponding to the fourth round of the 2026 Apertura Tournament, the team from La Ribera will have several absences due to injury. Milton Giménez is still recovering from pubalgia and has no estimated return date. Rodrigo Battaglia underwent Achilles tendon surgery and will miss the entire semester.

The coach is piecing together the puzzle due to so many absences.

Additionally, Lucas Janson suffered a muscle tear and will need three more weeks to recover. Alan Velasco, with a knee strain, faces about 45 more days of rehab, and Carlos Palacios has knee synovitis and is aiming to recover by the end of the month.

To these, the muscle tears of Exequiel Zeballos—who will be out for about two months—and Ander Herrera—who suffered a milder one but will miss at least two weeks of team commitments—have been added.

Keep reading:

With a suggestive message about the expansion, Boca announced the new mega project at La Bombonera

Boca wants another Estudiantes player: started negotiations for Edwin Cetré

Is it time for Boca’s youngsters?: Úbeda’s alternatives due to injuries

Injury epidemic at Boca: the large number of absences at the start of 2026

Eventful double session at Boca: Ander Herrera couldn’t finish practice

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