Three confirmed absences for Colón as they pick XI vs Estudiantes | OneFootball

Colón now knows exactly when it will set foot again on the pitch at the Brigadier General Estanislao López Stadium. On matchday 32 of Zone A of the Primera Nacional, the Sabalero will face Estudiantes de Buenos Aires next Saturday, October 3, starting at 3:00 p.m. This clash represents a direct and vital showdown in the final stretch of the regular season, with both teams looking to solidify their qualification and secure the best possible position ahead of the Reducido for the second promotion spot.

To put together the strategy for this crucial match, head coach Iván Delfino is facing a selection puzzle due to suspensions and injuries, although he is also welcoming back two key players.

Iván Delfino’s puzzle: absences and doubts

The forced absence in midfield will be Matías Muñoz, who picked up his fifth yellow card in the recent goalless draw against All Boys. Muñoz must serve a one-match suspension against the «Pincha» from Caseros and will only be available again for the trip to Santiago del Estero to face Mitre.

The Sabalero infirmary is also limiting the coach’s options:

• Matías Budiño: The goalkeeper remains out of group training due to a sprain in his right knee. With a recovery period of more than four weeks, he is expected to miss the remainder of the regular season and target a return in the knockout stages.

• Franco García: He is still undergoing physiotherapy for an injury to the instep of his right foot. Ruled out for Saturday, the coaching staff will assess his progress to see whether he can make the next trip to the north of the country.

Meanwhile, the coach’s biggest footballing question mark is in the back line. Delfino must decide whether to keep Paraguayan defender Sebastián Olmedo in the starting lineup at center-back or restore Pier Barrios to the starting eleven.

Key returns for the starting eleven

The good news for everyone at Colón is the return of two essential players who served their one-match suspensions for yellow-card accumulation: midfielder AgustínToledo and the dynamic Ignacio Lago.

In fact, within the coaching staff there is speculation that Lago will go straight into the starting lineup in place of Gabriel Risso Patrón, looking to provide the goal threat and attacking width the team needs to get back to winning ways in front of its home fans.

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