With Janson, Boca's likely starting XI for the Torneo Apertura opener | OneFootball

The preseason is starting to wind down at Boca Predio and the mindset is shifting to competition mode. After weeks of physical preparation, the ball will roll again in a 2026 that promises to be eventful, and Xeneize will look to start off on the right foot against Deportivo Riestra, while still searching for reinforcements. With just days to go before the debut, it’s a fact that Claudio Úbeda will have to get creative and improvise with his central striker due to the absences.

The big news is that, ahead of Sunday’s match and while the club negotiates for several attackers, the strongest option to wear the “9” is Lucas Janson. A player who was sidelined for much of 2025 and, barring any unforeseen events, will have his big chance as a starter following Miguel Merentiel’s injury. The former Vélez player replaced “the Beast” in the friendly against Olimpia, performed well in that position, and is now leading the race.

Of course, this unexpected appearance in Boca’s first team of the year is directly related to the complicated situation Úbeda is facing in the center forward position. In addition to Merentiel’s absence, there are also physical problems for Edinson Cavani and Milton Giménez, who have been dealing with discomfort since the start of preseason.

The Matador still hasn’t managed to shake off a persistent lower back pain, while the Cabo is unable to train normally due to a pubalgia that’s been troubling him. Neither is at one hundred percent and both are aiming to recover in time for the second round of the Apertura, while the Uruguayan faces at least three weeks of recovery.

Apart from the unexpected scenario in that specific position, the rest of the team wouldn’t change much compared to the one that played in the first friendly (0-0) against Millonarios, although with Alan Velasco replacing Brian Aguirre, considering the performances of both. The former Independiente player raised his level, scored a goal, and gained ground.

Boca’s probable lineup for the debut against Riestra

Agustín Marchesín; Juan Barinaga, Lautaro Di Lollo, Ayrton Costa, Lautaro Blanco; Ander Herrera, Leandro Paredes, Milton Delgado; Alan Velasco, Lucas Janson, and Exequiel Zeballos.

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