Kendry Páez back in River training, eyes debut against Tigre | OneFootball

While those who were part of the delegation that traveled to Arroyito for the draw against Rosario Central had the day off, Kendry Páez added a new training session with the rest of the River squad in Ezeiza. The Ecuadorian is eager to make his debut after his surprising arrival in Núñez, and Marcelo Gallardo will evaluate if he is ready to get his first minutes against Tigre next Saturday at the Monumental.

Although the 18-year-old left-footer has only played 11 minutes in the four matches Racing de Strasbourg played in 2026, he was available for all of them. Physically fit since he was in the middle of the season in France, his main shortcoming today is probably football-related. Additionally, the "Muñeco" wants him to participate in practices to start getting familiar with his new teammates.

With a whole week ahead before the match against the Matador, if Páez meets the coach's expectations, the chances of him being present at the Monumental this weekend increase. Juan Fernando Quintero is currently the master of the team's play, but the rest of the attacking positions are not defined. Sebastián Driussi got injured, and the other forwards have not lived up to expectations so far. Nonetheless, if the new million-dollar signing makes it to the squad list, he would likely start from the bench.

Just arrived, without any football practice, and with the starting team focused on the match that just passed against the Canalla, Kendry has not yet been tested in front of the "Muñeco." With a role and position similar to Juanfer's, but with different characteristics, the question is whether he will dare to pair them up or if he will bet on the youngster as the captain's replacement.

Besides Kendry Páez, Matías Viña (sent off, was not in Rosario), Ezequiel Centurión (cleared to play after the wrist fracture he suffered at Independiente Rivadavia), and all those who were not part of the call-up trained at River Camp.

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