⏳ On the mend? América de Cali await Quintero and Balanta's return | OneFootball

With half of the games of the semifinal quadrangulars of the Liga Betplay 2025-I already played, América de Cali remains undefeated and with intact chances of seeking their place in the final.

However, with the draw against Deportes Tolima in Ibagué last Saturday, Jorge Da Silva's team fell to second place in Group A, with 5 points, behind Independiente Medellín, which accumulated 7 points in the first three rounds.

The scarlet team has had to face these first quadrangular dates without some of its top figures, but the club itself now anticipates the return of a couple of key players for the team, who will likely be at the coach's disposal for the decisive stage.

Juanfer Quintero and Éder Álvarez Balanta, close to their return

América de Cali released an image certifying that Juan Fernando Quintero and Éder Álvarez Balanta, two significant absences the team has had in recent matches, are already working and getting ready to play again.

Quintero suffered a knee injury in the first quadrangular match against DIM. The injury left him out of the Colombian National Team, to which he was called up for the double date against Peru and Argentina.

América reported at the time that 'Juanfer's' injury was a sprain in a ligament of the left knee and that recovery would take approximately 10 days.

Thus, Juanfer would return to 'Polilla' Da Silva's squad for the match next Thursday, again against Tolima, but at Pascual Guerrero.

Meanwhile, Éder Álvarez Balanta is dealing with a more complicated injury and a considerably longer recovery time.

The 32-year-old midfielder hasn't played since May 1, when he had to leave the field in the game against Águilas Doradas in Rionegro. América reported that the player suffered a "muscle-tendon injury" in the hip.

Later, Jorge Da Silva gave more details about Álvarez Balanta's injury, saying it is "an uncommon injury," with a "recovery that will take a while," and that "there is no exact time frame for how long it will take." The coach also revealed that the player "was very discouraged, even considering quitting football."

Fortunately for América de Cali and Éder Álvarez Balanta, the player's return to the field is getting closer.

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