Ander Herrera, Janson and Velasco doubtful for clash with Estudiantes | OneFootball

The three footballers substituted in the victory against Riestra requested the change and will be evaluated upon returning to training. The main concern is the former Vélez forward, with discomfort in his calf.

Without shining, but with presence and conviction, Boca started the Apertura Tournament with a home victory against Riestra. However, the night confirmed that Rodrigo Battaglia will need surgery and also raised concerns about the three players who requested substitutions: Ánder Herrera, Lucas Janson, and Alan Velasco.

As soon as Lautaro di Lollo scored the only goal of the night with a header, the Spanish midfielder looked at the bench and made an eloquent gesture that “he couldn’t go on”. Crossing his arms in the air and pointing to himself, he dropped to the ground and requested a change. Conditioned by the precedents of all 2025, the fans immediately held their heads and feared the worst.

However, even though he grabbed his left side, Herrera left only due to fatigue. Beyond any minor discomfort, his situation is not considered worrying. The coaching staff will wait to see how he reintegrates into training this Monday, but regardless of the decision to manage his minutes with a tight schedule, they believe he will be available.

Janson had left earlier. At the time of his substitution by Íker Zufiaurre, the forward was seen exchanging words with Claudio Úbeda, who later confirmed in a press conference that he had suffered a physical problem. “He left with a calf discomfort and the substitution for Íker was also to bring in a fresher player,” he stated in the press conference.

Additionally, aware of the usual criticisms of the former Vélez player, Sifón appreciated his contribution and good disposition. “Lucas Janson is a 100% professional player. When he didn’t play or wasn’t in the squad, he always went to train and was positive from his position, which is why he got his chance. He had to do quite a dirty job because he had to hold off the opponent’s central defenders. It was a tough challenge. He moved well to the sides, provided support, but it wasn’t an easy match for a center forward,” the coach declared.

Although originally the fourth ‘9’ in the squad, the injuries of Edinson Cavani (back pain), Milton Giménez (groin pain, might need surgery), and Miguel Merentiel (tear) made him the center forward for the Apertura debut. Boca will not recover any of the other three, which is why Úbeda will be very attentive to Janson’s recovery. If he is well, he will start again on Wednesday against Estudiantes.

The other substitution in the match (all three in different windows; Úbeda exhausted the options while still having two available) was Alan Velasco’s exit for Brian Aguirre. The former Independiente player did not make an impact and left the field with visible pain in his right knee. Once on the bench, he was seen with ice on that area.

Although initially there is no concern as it seems to be just a knock, Boca will be attentive to his recovery since it is the same knee that kept him out at the end of 2025. Awaiting the arrival of Ángel Romero and with Carlos Palacios still injured, it is likely that if he is well, he will be a starter again against Pincha.

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