Madelón’s puzzle: injuries and tactics before facing El Ciclón | OneFootball

The defeat in Santiago del Estero against Central Córdoba not only left a bitter taste due to the result, but also raised a series of physical and football-related questions that the coaching staff led by Leonardo Madelón must resolve against the clock. With no room for regret, the Unión squad is already working with their minds set on next Friday, February 13, when they will host San Lorenzo at 8:00 PM at the Estadio 15 de Abril. This match, corresponding to the fifth round of Zone A of the Torneo Apertura, is shaping up to be a decisive event to recover the lost intensity and avoid falling behind in the standings.

The main concern in the red-and-white camp revolves around the health of Valentín Fascendini. The central defender set off alarm bells after leaving the field due to a hard blow to his right leg that prevented him from continuing. Although no official medical report has been issued yet and it is believed there is no serious bone injury, the coaching staff will evaluate him closely in every training session. If he is not in optimal condition, Juan Pablo Ludueña, who showed an acceptable level when replacing him, appears to be the natural alternative to guard the central defense against the «Ciclón».

In addition to the uncertainty surrounding Fascendini, the medical department is closely monitoring the situation of Augusto Solari, who is suffering from the effects of a persistent muscle tear. Likewise, special attention is being paid to the adaptation of Lucas Menossi; the team’s latest signing is still undergoing physical and football conditioning. Madelón wants the former Tigre player to reach his peak before launching him into the starting lineup, understanding that his vision of the game could be the missing piece to connect the lines of Unión’s midfield.

Finally, the poor collective performance shown against Central Córdoba could lead to a renewal of names in the starting eleven. Beyond the forced absences, the coach is considering tactical changes to restore the team’s aggressiveness and freshness needed to prevail in individual duels. With the support of their fans, Unión will have an excellent opportunity to show both a mental and footballing reaction, seeking to turn current doubts into the confidence needed to face the remainder of the championship.

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