🚨No Cavani, Boca squad named to face Vélez | OneFootball

Despite the expectations generated by his return to training, Edinson Cavani will once again be the big absentee from Boca Juniors' squad list to face Vélez Sarsfield this Sunday. Although the Uruguayan trained alongside the group since Tuesday, the coaching staff led by Claudio Úbeda decided not to risk him, understanding that, even though the lower back pain has subsided, the striker still hasn't reached the full physical condition required for top-level competition.

A nightmare of injuries that gives no respite

The last year has been a nightmare for the Uruguayan attacker. Between a persistent discomfort in his right psoas and the back problems that prevented him from doing preseason this 2026, Cavani still hasn't played any official minutes so far this year. Úbeda's intention is to bring him back gradually so that his definitive return could take place, possibly, on matchday five against Platense at La Bombonera.

Plague of absences and an opportunity for the youngsters

Boca's infirmary keeps adding big names, as Exequiel Zeballos and the Spaniard Ander Herrera have both been ruled out due to muscle tears suffered on Wednesday. Given this scenario, the coach turned to the youth academy, calling up youngsters Leonel Flores and Camilo Rey Domenech. The good news is the return of Miguel Merentiel, who, after overcoming a soleus tear, is set to start and lead the attack alongside Kevin Zenón and the young Gonzalo Gelini.

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

📸 ALEJANDRO PAGNI - AFP or licensors