The only three forwards Úbeda has at Boca to face Vélez | OneFootball

If Boca's long list of injured forwards was already laughable, it now adds the most sensitive loss: Exequiel Zeballos. "Changuito" suffered a tear, leaving Claudio Úbeda with almost no options to assemble the team for Sunday's match against Vélez. In fact, during Wednesday's training, the coach only had three forwards, two of whom are youngsters who started the year in the Reserve team.

The young players who recently became champions with Mariano Herrón's team in 2025 are Íker Zufiaurre and Gonzalo Gelini, starters in the victory against Newell's and both naturally wingers. The third is Kevin Zenón, an offensive midfielder whom "Sifón" usually uses on the wing in a three-man attack. In other words, three players who play in the same position.

In fact, against "La Lepra," Zufiaurre had to take the center forward position and appeared uncomfortable in a role that isn't his (he was replaced at halftime by Ángel Romero). With goal-scoring ability and versatility to move across the attack front, the 20-year-old from Córdoba has only played six matches in the First Division.

Gelini, a promising 19-year-old left-footer, played in his position last Sunday and had a good performance. In fact, he was praised by Úbeda himself in a press conference. "He did well, he's a boy with physical strength, commitment, he took on the responsibility of playing in Boca's First Division and did well, which makes us happy," said the coach.

The other offensive player available to the Xeneize coach is Zenón. The former Unión player is a midfielder and could well be part of a four-man midfield, an option being considered for this Sunday. Although he has been sidelined since late 2025, the left-footer has already played as a winger with "Sifón" and is fighting for a spot on the team.

Besides Zufiaurre, Gelini, and Zenón, there is another player who is fit to play but not ready to start a match. Ángel Romero has just arrived at Boca and played his first 45 minutes against Newell's since leaving Corinthians at the end of 2025. Without preseason, the Paraguayan lacks rhythm and finished the match with a muscle strain that prevented him from participating in Tuesday's football practice.

Given this scenario, it remains to be seen what decision the coach will make regarding Miguel Merentiel. "The Beast" will complete the 21-day recovery period for a tear this Sunday and could be available to play against Vélez. Surely, after Thursday's football practice, they will assess how risky his presence at José Amalfitani might be.

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