Unión back in training with Riestra in sight: recovery and doubts | OneFootball

After advancing in the Copa Argentina by defeating Agropecuario, Diego Díaz returned to training at Casa Unión with his mind set on the next challenge: this Friday at 5:45 p.m., Unión will host Deportivo Riestra for Matchday 13 of Zone A in the Apertura Tournament, with Darío Herrera as referee.

Leonardo Madelón’s team managed to recover emotionally after the tough defeat to Defensa y Justicia, but it still owes a lot in footballing terms, as the performance against Agropecuario left more doubts than certainties.

A win that did not clear up the doubts at Unión

Although the goal of advancing to the next round was achieved, the performance was not entirely convincing. Unión had spells of disarray, struggled to impose itself, and only managed to decide the match at key moments.

In that context, the match against Riestra appears as another test, not only to pick up points, but also to start showing a better collective version of the team.

Several absences in Unión’s squad

As for the squad’s physical condition, the outlook presents some complications. Defender Nicolás Paz remains unavailable, as he is still dealing with an injury to one of his ankles. Added to this is the absence of Diego Armando Díaz, who suffered a muscle tear and will need at least two more weeks of recovery.

Meanwhile, Uruguayan Emiliano Álvarez, who had to come off in the first half against Agropecuario, is also expected to miss the next match, as everything indicates he is dealing with a muscle injury.

The good news concerns Mauro Pittón, who only suffered a knock to the knee and should have no issues being available.

Madelón considers alternatives

With this scenario, the coach is already beginning to shape possible changes to the team. Everything indicates that Lautaro Vargas would return to the starting lineup in place of Álvarez, while fellow Uruguayan Maizon Rodríguez would regain his place in defense after Valentín Fascendini’s poor performance.

In attack, the main doubt surrounds Agustín Colazo, who had a poor game in the Copa Argentina. In his place, Marcelo Estigarribia could return, after getting minutes in the second half and leaving a better impression.

Key days to define the team

For now, the coaching staff is prioritizing the physical recovery of several players and getting the squad back up to speed.

It will be in Thursday’s football training session that Leonardo Madelón will begin to define the team that will take the field against Riestra.

Unión needs to take a step forward. The emotional boost is there, but the team’s play still has not appeared. Friday’s clash will be an opportunity to start changing that image.

With key absences, possible changes, and the need to be strong at home, El Tatengue will look to take all three points and begin building a more solid identity in the tournament.

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