Herrera and Belmonte may rejoin squad ahead of Rosario Central | OneFootball

After a week in which the workload gradually increased, the two midfielders returned to training with the group and hope to be on the substitutes' bench at the Gigante de Arroyito.

While awaiting a decision regarding the possible return of Miguel Ángel Russo after his health issues, Boca continues its preparations for the match against Rosario Central. With Claudio Úbeda at the helm, the squad resumed training and received good news: the returns of Ander Herrera and Tomás Belmonte.

After a week in which they alternated between practicing with the rest of the squad and doing smaller drills with youth players, which involved lighter physical loads, both players started the week fully integrated and are aiming to be called up for the trip to Arroyito.

The Spaniard has not played since the match against Benfica on June 17, during the Club World Cup. That day he suffered a muscle tear and it took him over a month to be available again. And just as he was about to return, against Atlético Tucumán for the Copa Argentina (July 24), he suffered another muscle injury that extended his absence by another month and a half.

Aware of Ander Herrera’s physical fragility at 36 years old (he has only played nine matches in this jersey), Boca’s coaching staff wants to bring him back gradually to avoid another setback. That’s why they will assess his condition in training sessions before the match against the Canalla and, at best, will have him on the bench in Rosario.

The case of Tomás Belmonte is different. In this, his second muscle tear of the year—on top of a strain in the first matches of 2025—his recovery time took longer than expected. Toto has not played since the 0-1 loss to Huracán in Parque Patricios on July 27.

Now, fully fit, the former Lanús player is one of the options that Russo (if he’s back) or Úbeda will have for the visit to Rosario Central. His versatility and fighting spirit are assets that this coaching staff has always valued.

Nevertheless, in his absence, and also in Herrera’s, Russo found his starting midfield. With Leandro Paredes as the central figure and undisputed leader, his partner now is Rodrigo Battaglia. That spot is being contested by Belmonte and Herrera, who could also be added to a three-man midfield triangle. In any case, for now, they are behind, due to physical reasons and also the strong performances of the starters.

However, there is an asterisk to consider: Paredes will join training on Thursday, after returning from Ecuador, where this Tuesday he will play with the Argentina national team. While it’s unlikely he’ll miss the clash with the Canalla, it remains to be seen how he finishes after also starting last Thursday in the win over Venezuela at the Monumental.

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