Marcos Acuña ruled out for River’s Apertura opener | OneFootball

El Huevo will miss the first match of the tournament due to the injury he suffered to his foot, and the Uruguayan will make his official debut as a starter. Armani will be waited on until the very last moment.

River returned to training after wrapping up preseason with a penalty shootout win against Peñarol, and the news of the day is that Marcos Acuña will miss the debut against Barracas Central due to the injury he’s been carrying in one of his feet. On the other hand, Marcelo Gallardo will still wait for Franco Armani, who might just make it in time for Saturday.

El Huevo missed the entire preseason because of a stomp he suffered against Racing on November 24th of last year. With physical therapy and field work, but without pushing himself, he’s done a special recovery that now finds him lacking both physical and football rhythm. The world champion didn’t take part in any formal drills and missed both summer friendlies, against Millonarios and Manya.

Since it’s only the first matchday of a new season, Muñeco doesn’t want to take any risks. Besides, the good minutes Matías Viña has played since his arrival give him peace of mind that the left-back position is well covered. It will be the official debut for the Uruguayan, who ended up being one of River’s best players in the second preseason match.

As for Armani, only on Saturday will he complete the required 21 days since his muscle tear in his right calf and, still lacking match fitness, it remains to be seen if Muñeco decides to risk him at the start of the Apertura. The good news is that the strong performances by youngster Santiago Beltrán, now the main backup after Jeremías Ledesma’s departure and Ezequiel Centurión’s injury, could allow Armani another week to get back in shape.

The good news of the morning was the recovery of Fabricio Bustos, who wasn’t among the squad against Peñarol due to muscle fatigue. The right-back will have no problem being on the bench at the Estadio Claudio Chiqui Tapia, as an alternative to Gonzalo Montiel, who is firmly established in the starting lineup.

With a defense that will only change at left-back due to Acuña’s absence, the big question is in midfield. Fausto Vera and Aníbal Moreno are shaping up as the starting tandem, but the trio they formed with Kevin Castaño didn’t convince. Linear and lacking flair, that midfield had no impact in Peñarol’s box.

For this reason, Gallardo is considering replacing the Colombian with a midfielder who offers more attacking presence. Giuliano Galoppo, Tomás Galván, and Santiago Lencina are some of the options he’s weighing. Up front, Juan Fernando Quintero and two forwards, likely Facundo Colidio and Sebastián Driussi, although Maximiliano Salas also has a chance to play. Everything will be decided in Thursday’s tactical session.

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