Velasco injured at Boca: what happened and how long he'll be out | OneFootball

Clinical studies confirmed that the midfielder suffered a significant sprain and will need several weeks of recovery. Herrera and Janson, who were slightly injured, would be fit to play against Estudiantes.

Without shining, but with presence and conviction, Boca began the Torneo Apertura with a home victory against Riestra. However, the night confirmed that Rodrigo Battaglia will need surgery and, in addition, the injury of Alan Velasco, who suffered a left knee sprain. Additionally, the other two who requested a substitution, Ánder Herrera and Lucas Janson, are fine and could start against Estudiantes.

At the moment, the substitution of the offensive midfielder for Brian Aguirre went unnoticed. The former Independiente player didn't make an impact and, although he improved in the second half when he switched sides, his exit didn't cause surprise. However, once on the bench, he was seen with ice on the area, raising the first alarms.

Upon returning to training, the former Independiente player did not participate in practice and went for tests. Shortly after, the results showed a significant sprain that will keep him off the field for around two months, which means he will miss the first part of the year. For now, thinking about Estudiantes, he doesn't have a defined replacement. Awaiting the arrival of Ángel Romero and with Carlos Palacios still injured, Kevin Zenón appears as the most viable alternative.

Concerned about the state of his left knee, the same one in which he suffered a ligament rupture in the United States in 2024, Boca will handle his rehabilitation with caution. Despite the headache, the good news is that the previous injury that haunts footballers did not recur.

On the other hand, the one who had scared everyone was Ánder Herrera. 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 lay on the ground and requested a substitution. As an act conditioned by the precedents of all 2025, the fans immediately held their heads and feared the worst.

However, and although he held his left side, Herrera left only due to fatigue. Beyond any minor discomfort, his situation is not concerning. The coaching staff will wait to see how he reintegrates into training this Monday, but regardless of the decision to manage his minutes or not amid a tight schedule, they believe he will be available.

Janson had left earlier. At the time of his substitution for Íker Zufiaurre, the forward was seen exchanging words with Claudio Úbeda, who later confirmed in a press conference that he had suffered a physical issue. “He left with a calf strain 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,” declared the coach.

Although he is originally the fourth '9' of 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's well, he will start again on Wednesday against Estudiantes.

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