River's 2019 final starter could face Flamengo again with Estudiantes | OneFootball

40-year-old midfielder plays for Deportivo Maipú (ARG), but became an option for the Argentine club after two midfield injuries before the semifinal

Estudiantes (ARG) is considering calling up 40-year-old midfielder Enzo Pérez for the Libertadores semifinal against Flamengo. The player currently plays for Deportivo Maipú (ARG), in Argentina’s second division. The idea, however, has not yet turned into negotiations.

The information was first reported by journalist Federico Bueno of ESPN Argentina. According to the reporter, Enzo’s name came up within the technical department of the club from La Plata. So far, however, no one from Estudiantes has contacted the midfielder.

Bueno even treated the matter cautiously when revealing the plan:

— I was told, still as a rumor, that Estudiantes has in mind picking up the phone and asking Enzo Pérez if he wants to play in the Copa Libertadores — the journalist said.

Why is Estudiantes looking for a midfielder?

The search began after the Supercopa Internacional final on Saturday (26). In the 3-1 loss to Rosario Central (ARG), the Argentine team lost two midfielders to injury.

Afterward, the club confirmed the diagnoses of the players who left the match. Uruguayan Gabriel Neves suffered a fracture in his left wrist. The player underwent surgery this Wednesday (30) and is expected to be sidelined for about three months.

Meanwhile, Jalil Elías has a grade 2 muscle injury in the back of his left thigh. Argentine media estimate a month of recovery. As a result, the midfielder is expected to miss the first leg and is doubtful for the return match at the Maracanã.

The defense is also a concern for coach Alexander Medina. Center-backs Tomás Palacios and Leandro González Pirez will serve suspensions in the semifinal after receiving their third yellow cards.

Enzo’s arrival depends on Marcos Rojo

According to Bueno, there is one condition for Estudiantes to move forward for Enzo Pérez. Before that, the board needs to sort out the departure of center-back Marcos Rojo from Racing (ARG).

Estudiantes is negotiating financial compensation to take Marcos Rojo away from Racing. The 36-year-old defender has a contract with the club from Avellaneda until December 31, 2026.

The player and Estudiantes are preparing a joint plan to present to Racing. The proposal would allow Rojo to play in the Libertadores and also in the Argentine league.

To make that happen, the club from La Plata could request a special spot in the domestic tournament because of Neves’ injury. Meanwhile, Enzo Pérez is under contract with Deportivo Maipú until December 2026. Therefore, the final decision will also depend on the midfielder’s own willingness.

The player returned to the club in the middle of the year. Since then, he has been trying to help Maipú in its push for promotion to Argentina’s top flight.

How much time does Estudiantes have to register new signings?

Argentina’s transfer window has already closed. Even so, Conmebol regulations allow up to three changes to the list of 50 players registered for the Libertadores. According to Infobae, Estudiantes has until Friday, October 9, to make the changes.

That means a potential signing could face Flamengo in both semifinal matches. In the domestic league, however, the situation depends on specific authorization.

Enzo Pérez knows Flamengo well

If the plan moves forward, Enzo will reunite with a memorable opponent from his career. On November 23, 2019, he started for River Plate (ARG) in the Libertadores final in Lima. That afternoon, Flamengo came from behind with two late goals from Gabigol and won 2-1.

In addition, the midfielder has a strong connection with Estudiantes. He played for the club in three spells and won the 2009 Libertadores alongside Juan Sebastián Verón, now the club’s president. Enzo also has a close relationship with Marcos Angeleri, the club’s football director.

Rojo, meanwhile, also has recent history against the Rubro-Negro. In 2025, playing for Racing, the center-back scored an own goal in Flamengo’s 1-0 win at the Maracanã in the Libertadores semifinal.

When do Flamengo and Estudiantes face each other?

The first leg will take place on October 15 at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time) at Estadio UNO in La Plata, the venue confirmed by Estudiantes. The teams will then decide the place in the final on October 22, at the same time, at the Maracanã.

Flamengo will also have absences in the first match. Coach Leonardo Jardim will not have Jorginho and Arrascaeta available in Argentina. Whoever advances will face Palmeiras or Fluminense in the final on November 28 in Montevideo.

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