Is it time for Boca’s youngsters? Úbeda’s options with injuries mounting

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La Número 12

·5 February 2026

Is it time for Boca’s youngsters? Úbeda’s options with injuries mounting

The start of Boca's season is a headache. Beyond the two victories in the 2026 Apertura Tournament in the first three matches, the concern lies with the squad. It has been confirmed that Exequiel Zeballos and Ander Herrera are injured. They will be out of action for several weeks and join a very long list of players who are inactive.

El Changuito and the Spanish midfielder joined Milton Giménez (pubalgia), Rodrigo Battaglia (Achilles tendon surgery), Carlos Palacios (knee synovitis), Lucas Janson, and Alan Velasco – muscular injuries. Meanwhile, Edinson Cavani and Miguel Merentiel might return to the squad against Vélez, but they are more doubts than certainties.

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Given the large number of absences, especially in the attack, Claudio Úbeda is forced to rely on the youth players. Some will have more participation, others will be reconsidered, and many of them could have their first experience with the first team Xeneize.

Úbeda seeks alternatives.

Although the two Uruguayan forwards might return to the field this weekend against Fortín, it is not confirmed. The Xeneize – for now – will not be able to count on its four forwards. This situation forces the coaching staff to keep an eye on the Reserve, which began its official participation this Wednesday.

In this regard, for the '9' position, Úbeda will have Ángel Romero as an alternative – he ended up tired and a bit knocked against Newell’s and it will depend on how he arrives at the weekend -, Iker Zufiaurre who has been a starter in the last two matches. Meanwhile, the youngsters who could have their first experience at the club from La Ribera are Rodrigo Bacidalupe (2007) and Miguel Ventos (2005).

Bacidalupe signed his first professional contract until 2028 and, in the debut of the Apertura Projection Tournament, was the standout in the 2-2 draw against Belgrano de Córdoba. He scored a goal and provided an assist. Meanwhile, Ventos – in mid-2025 – sealed his deal with Boca until 2029.

The candidates in Boca to replace Zeballos

Without Changuito Zeballos (grade 2-3 muscle injury of the left biceps femoris), out of action for about three weeks, Claudio Úbeda will have the possibility to use some alternatives already in the squad and in the youth ranks.

Both Gonzalo Gelini and Kevin Zenón will have the chance to add minutes during Boca's upcoming matches, although they are not the only ones. Leonel Flores and Ezequiel González, both 2007, will be among the alternatives for the coaching staff.

Zeballos got injured and will not play against Vélez

Flores was one of the great figures of Mariano Herrón's Boca during 2025 where he won two titles with the team, scoring 10 goals in 33 matches. Meanwhile, Ezequiel González added some training sessions with the first team under Fernando Gago and is considered one of the club's gems.

The alternatives for the midfield

With the absence of Ander Herrera (grade 1 muscle injury of the right anterior rectus muscle), Boca has a long list of alternatives to replace him. The midfield is one of the positions covered with players from the professional squad, as well as youth players.

Initially, the usual replacement for the Basque midfielder is Tomás Belmonte or Williams Alarcón, who have accumulated the most minutes under Claudio Úbeda's orders. However, the possibility of Milton Delgado returning as a starter is not ruled out, after adding a few minutes against Newell’s, as well as Camilo Rey Domenech who has lost ground for a long time.

Herrera is another who will not be in Liniers.

Tomás Aranda, who made his debut with the Xeneize against Estudiantes de La Plata, could appear among the candidates, as well as Joaquín Ruiz who is a regular in Mariano Herrón's Reserve. Meanwhile, Agustín Martegani is at a disadvantage and behind (he still signs the sheet).