The only three forwards Úbeda has for Boca to face Vélez | OneFootball

If Boca’s long list of injured forwards was already laughable, now it’s grown with the most significant loss yet: Exequiel Zeballos. Changuito suffered a muscle tear, leaving Claudio Úbeda with almost no options to assemble the team for Sunday’s match against Vélez. In fact, during Wednesday’s training session, the coach only had three forwards available, two of whom are youngsters who started the year in the Reserve team.

The young players who recently became champions with Mariano Herrón’s team in 2025 are Íker Zufiaurre and Gonzalo Gelini, both starters in the win over Newell’s and both natural wingers. The third option is Kevin Zenón, an attacking midfielder whom Sifón usually deploys on the wing in a three-man attack. In other words, three players who all play the same position.

In fact, against La Lepra, Zufiaurre had to play as a center forward and looked uncomfortable in a position that isn’t his (he was replaced at halftime by Ángel Romero). With goal-scoring ability and the versatility to move across the entire attacking front, the 20-year-old from Córdoba has played just six matches in the First Division.

Gelini, a promising 19-year-old left-footer, played in his natural position last Sunday and put in a good performance. In fact, he was praised by Úbeda himself in the press conference. “He did well, he’s a kid with physical strength, commitment, he took on the responsibility that comes with playing for Boca’s First Team and did well, we’re happy,” said the coach.

The other attacking player available to the Xeneize coach is Zenón. The former Unión player is a midfielder and could well be part of a four-man midfield, an alternative being considered for this Sunday. Although he’s been sidelined since late 2025, the left-footer has already played as a winger under Sifón and is fighting for a spot in the team.

Besides Zufiaurre, Gelini, and Zenón, there’s another player who is fit to play, but not to start a match. Ángel Romero has just arrived at Boca and played his first 45 minutes against Newell’s since leaving Corinthians at the end of 2025. Without a preseason, the Paraguayan lacks match fitness and finished the game with muscle fatigue that kept him out of Tuesday’s training session.

Given this scenario, it remains to be seen what decision the coach will make regarding Miguel Merentiel. “La Bestia” will complete the standard 21-day recovery period for a muscle tear this Sunday and could be available to play against Vélez. After Thursday’s training session, they will surely evaluate how risky his presence at the José Amalfitani might be.

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