Úbeda looks to Boca youth as injuries mount | OneFootball

Boca's season has begun under strain, despite two wins from three in the Torneo Apertura 2026. Exequiel Zeballos and Ander Herrera are out for several weeks. According to LaNumer12.com.ar, Claudio Úbeda is preparing to lean on academy options.

They join Milton Giménez, pubalgia, Rodrigo Battaglia, Achilles surgery, Carlos Palacios, knee synovitis, and Lucas Janson and Alan Velasco with muscular issues. Edinson Cavani and Miguel Merentiel could make the Vélez squad, but doubts persist.

With attacking options depleted, Úbeda is assessing alternatives. The Uruguayan pair could feature against the Fortín this weekend, but nothing is confirmed and, for now, Boca cannot count on their four strikers. The staff have turned to the Reserve.

At number nine, Ángel Romero is an option after finishing tired and carrying a slight knock against Newell's. Iker Zufiaurre has started the last two matches. Teenagers Rodrigo Bacidalupe and Miguel Ventos could get a first-team chance.

Bacidalupe has signed his first professional deal to 2028 and starred in the Proyección Apertura opener, a 2-2 draw with Belgrano de Córdoba, with a goal and an assist. Ventos agreed terms in mid 2025 through to 2029. Zeballos has a grade 2-3 left hamstring injury, around three weeks out.

Options out wide include Gonzalo Gelini and Kevin Zenón, plus Leonel Flores and Ezequiel González. In midfield, Herrera's grade 1 injury opens the door for Tomás Belmonte or Williams Alarcón, the usual replacements under Úbeda, with Milton Delgado, Camilo Rey Domenech, Joaquín Ruiz and Agustín Martegani also mentioned.

Source: LaNumer12.com.ar