Enzo Pérez set for possible return to River’s starting eleven | OneFootball

River faces Vélez in their last chance to secure a spot in Phase 2 of the Copa Libertadores through the annual standings—an objective/obligation that is no longer in their own hands. Moreover, there are players of great significance in the club’s history who could be playing their final matches. Such is the case of Enzo Pérez, who, after almost two months without playing, could return to the starting lineup.

The captain and one of the greatest idols of the last decades in Núñez last played in the second leg against Palmeiras on September 24. That day, in addition to suffering a tough elimination, Enzo sustained a deep cut above one of his knees, which required seven stitches and kept him out of the squad for about a month.

The 39-year-old midfielder from Mendoza has been available to Marcelo Gallardo since the Copa Argentina semifinal against Independiente Rivadavia on October 24, but he hasn’t played since. He didn’t come on that day, nor did he get any minutes in the defeats against Gimnasia and Boca last weekend.

With a contract until the end of 2025 and retirement drawing ever closer, Enzo Pérez risks experiencing the same farewell as Muñeco when he left River in 2010: on the bench and without playing. However, with just days to go before the match against Vélez and in the absence of Kevin Castaño, it’s likely that in Liniers he’ll once again wear the captain’s armband from the start on his right arm.

Muñeco’s dilemma is clear: should he bet on new faces and young players, or trust once more in the stalwarts of better times? Against Boca, the decision was clear—and it went badly. Now, with the obligation to win and await other results, the coach might send Enzo onto the pitch. Another likely starter is Milton Casco, due to Marcos Acuña’s suspension. Ignacio Fernández, another club legend, would be on the bench.

If Enzo Pérez does play, he’ll probably do so alongside Juan Carlos Portillo in midfield, forming a tandem that will try to bring balance to a team that currently struggles in every aspect of the game. Giuliano Galoppo and, later on, Juan Fernando Quintero could complete that midfield lineup.

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