Madelón waits on Tarragona and Estigarribia to spring a shock in Mendoza | OneFootball

Cristian Tarragona and Marcelo Estigarribia are training separately at Unión, but they are doing everything possible to be available on Saturday against Independiente Rivadavia.

Just hours before the decisive clash against Independiente Rivadavia in the Round of 16 of the Apertura Tournament, all attention at Unión is focused on the physical condition of Cristian Tarragona and Marcelo Estigarribia, the two starting forwards who are currently training separately.

The situation is causing concern, although there is also a significant degree of optimism within the coaching staff led by Leonardo Madelón. Both Tarragona and Estigarribia are doing work practically alongside the group, although under special supervision so as not to worsen their discomfort.

Under normal conditions, both would automatically be ruled out. But the context changes everything: this is a knockout match, with no margin for error, and that is why Unión will do everything possible to have them available on Saturday from 9:30 p.m. at Bautista Gargantini.

Estigarribia, the bigger concern at Unión

The more delicate case is that of Marcelo Estigarribia, who is dealing with discomfort in his adductor. The striker appears to be in the more compromised physical condition, and it is even being mentioned that he could miss the match.

Meanwhile, Cristian Tarragona is carrying a problem in his calf area. His situation is somewhat less complex, although his presence is not guaranteed either.

The final decision will be made virtually at the last minute before the match in Mendoza, as the coaching staff will wait until the very end to assess both players’ physical response.

Colazo gains ground and Madelón considers alternatives

If one of the two attackers is unavailable, the main candidate to come into the team is Agustín Colazo, who appears to be the first attacking alternative.

However, the scenario becomes much more complex if both starting forwards are ultimately unavailable. That is where Madelón would have to reshape the team and even change the tactical system.

In that context, names such as Lucas Menossi, Augusto Solari, Tomás González or even Franco Fragapane begin to gain ground, with the aim of strengthening the midfield and changing the team’s structure.

For now, the one who does not appear to be an option to start is Diego Armando Díaz, even though he remains an attacking option on the bench.

Palavecino remains apart and Pittón is ruled out

Another player who continues training separately is Nicolás Palavecino, who is still behind in his recovery due to a significant muscle issue. His presence also appears to be highly doubtful for this decisive match.

Meanwhile, the only fully confirmed absence is Bruno Pittón, who suffered a meniscus injury in his left knee, the same one that had been operated on last year after a torn cruciate ligament.

Unión, between hope and waiting

In Santa Fe, they know they will be up against one of the best teams of the semester, but they also understand that these kinds of matches are played with more than just football.

That is why, while the squad puts the finishing touches on preparations for the trip to Mendoza, the big question remains the same: will Tarragona and Estigarribia be fit in time?

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