Aníbal Moreno could be on the bench for River’s Copa Argentina debut | OneFootball

The central midfielder was replaced in La Paternal due to a cramp and might be rested tonight against Ciudad Bolívar. If he doesn't play, Castaño and Galoppo are vying for his spot.

Unlike other appearances in the Copa Argentina, River will debut in this edition with the best it has available. Marcelo Gallardo knows he has a minimal margin for error, and that's why against Ciudad Bolívar he will field all the starters he has available. However, determined not to take major risks, the coach might be forced to rest one of his key players: Aníbal Moreno.

The central midfielder has been a starter since the first official minute of the year and is crucial for the coach to provide order, balance, and distribution from the back. Against Argentinos Juniors, he couldn't complete the 90 minutes due to muscle discomfort, and although an injury was ruled out, it's likely he won't start tonight as a precaution.

The images were telling. Moreno remained in the middle of the field at the Diego Armando Maradona, bent over and holding the affected area. In the next play, he participated and even tried to join the attack. However, the pain persisted, and 30 minutes into the second half of the defeat against Bicho, he requested a substitution.

According to sources from Núñez, it was just a cramp. In fact, he didn't require any medical tests and even participated in the week's training sessions. Just hours before the match against Ciudad Bolívar and in a very heated moment of this budding season, it's most likely that Gallardo will give him a rest to avoid losing him to a more serious injury.

Who will replace Aníbal Moreno if he misses River's debut in Copa Argentina

If it's confirmed that the former Palmeiras player won't start tonight in San Luis, the coach's options are two: Kevin Castaño and Giuliano Galoppo. If the Colombian plays, who had a poor game in La Paternal (he was substituted at halftime), he will be the central midfielder; on the other hand, if the former Banfield player remains among the 11, Fausto Vera will take the central midfield position.

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