River: Gallardo starts the clear-out, Paulo Díaz and Borja left out!!! | OneFootball

The Doll left the Chilean defender and the Colombian forward out of the squad list for the last match of the Torneo Clausura. It is known that River will undergo a new squad renewal at the end of this season, but no one expected it to start before the last match. Despite the six absences due to injuries, suspensions, and international call-ups, Marcelo Gallardo decided to leave Paulo Díaz and Miguel Borja out of the squad for the match against Vélez.

The Chilean had been a starter in the Superclásico at the Bombonera, and with Lucas Martínez Quarta suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards, he seemed to have his place secured against Fortín. However, his poor performance against Boca, coupled with being replaced by Lautaro Rivero some time ago, anticipated what is already an open secret in Núñez: Paulo Díaz's cycle at River is over.

Although Borja has been a substitute practically since Gallardo's return, he always had participation from the bench. His last stint at the club was negative, but the Doll repeatedly relied on him for the center-forward position, where alternatives are scarce. After another lackluster performance last Sunday, along with missed penalties against Gimnasia and Independiente Rivadavia in the Copa Argentina, the coach decided his chances were over. The Hummingbird's cycle is also completed at the Millionaire.

Although there are certain similarities in their football situations, the circumstances of both players also have their differences. Paulo Díaz still has two years left on his contract, so his departure, at 31, will depend on a sale. In contrast, Borja's contract with River expires at the end of December, and it was already an open secret that his departure was decreed. In fact, several clubs have already shown interest in signing him.

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