Due to the FIFA break, Boca set to lose Paredes for two crucial matches | OneFootball

If Boca is walking on a winding, irregular path without a clear direction with Leandro Paredes, one of the few high points of the team and the standout figure, a giant question arises about how it will function without his presence. And, unfortunately for Miguel Ángel Russo, that complex scenario is highly likely to occur soon.

The tight schedule and the threat of the upcoming FIFA date could leave the Xeneize without their ace of spades, just when everything is at stake in the Clausura Tournament and the annual table, where they temporarily fell out of the Copa Libertadores qualifying positions after the defeat to Defensa y Justicia.

Specifically, the Argentina national team has two friendlies lined up in October: the 10th, against Venezuela in Miami; and the 13th, against Puerto Rico in Chicago. In that call-up, Paredes has already been reserved and barring unforeseen circumstances will be present, given that he is part of the backbone of the team led by Lionel Scaloni.

What's the problem then? That weekend, more precisely on Saturday 11/10, Boca will have to visit Barracas Central and the midfielder would miss the match if his call-up to the list is confirmed.

For the Xeneize, the inconvenience does not end with Paredes. The fact is that from Chile came the notice that both Carlos Palacios and Williams Alarcón were reserved by Nicolás Córdova for the Roja's preparation matches, so they could also be left out.

In addition to this, although he is behind in Russo's consideration, Milton Delgado will also not be available, given that he is playing the U20 World Cup with the Argentina national team. Of course, this is always assuming that the national team is not eliminated beforehand.

Either way, the key lies in the absence of Paredes against Barracas and the wear and tear he will suffer not only from the matches, but from the return trip. The midfielder would rejoin the duel with Belgrano, on October 19, although it is expected that he will be fit to play. As if this were not enough, the Superclásico looms on the horizon: 9/11.

Just in November, the Argentina national team has two more friendlies scheduled, against Angola and India. Faced with this, Paredes could prioritize the Superclásico and then join the national delegation. But, if this happens, he would still miss the last date, against Tigre, and would return in the eventual Playoffs if Boca qualifies.

Thus, Russo and his technical team will have to plan how to replace the absence of their main figure in the final stretch of the Clausura Tournament, with matches that will not only define their qualification to the knockout stage, but will also be key to securing Boca's presence in the next Copa Libertadores, from the annual table. The good news is that Ander Herrera returned against Defensa and stands as a concrete alternative.

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