Bad news for Boca: Rodrigo Battaglia ruled out for the rest of the season

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La Número 12

·26 Januari 2026

Bad news for Boca: Rodrigo Battaglia ruled out for the rest of the season

Boca took the first step in the Torneo Apertura. They defeated Deportivo Riestra 1-0 in the first match of Zone A, with a header goal by Lautaro Di Lollo. But beyond the promising start in the local tournament, all eyes were on the injured players, especially Rodrigo Battaglia who will miss – at a minimum – the entire semester.

Before the clash against Millonarios, in the first preseason friendly, the Xeneize issued a statement revealing that the former Atlético Mineiro player suffered an insertional tendinopathy of the Achilles tendon. An injury that troubles him in his daily life, causing him severe pain.

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Battaglia will need to undergo surgery.

Although Rodrigo Battaglia has been undergoing kinesiology work and special treatment to alleviate the pain and recover as soon as possible, it hasn't had the desired effects that Boca's medical team hoped for. Consequently, there were rumors of possible surgery, and it was the club's own coach, Claudio Úbeda, who confirmed the worst news for the squad.

After the victory against Riestra at La Bombonera, Sifón Úbeda provided details about the situation of the 34-year-old midfielder. “It's surgical, it's a significant loss. Not only for what he can offer us on the field, but also for his personality and presence within the group. We will feel his absence greatly,” he stated in a press conference.

Even though there was no rupture in the tendon, the surgery is similar to if it had occurred. Therefore, Rodrigo Battaglia will have a recovery period ranging from 6 to 8 months to return to play. However, it should be noted that everything will depend on the player's progress, as in several cases, rehabilitation can extend up to a year.

Thus, the player with a past at Huracán, who was a key piece for Miguel Ángel Russo and Claudio Úbeda, will miss the entire Torneo Apertura and the group stage of the Copa Libertadores, at a minimum. This situation forces the management to speed up negotiations to secure the arrival of Santiago Ascacibar.

Other Injured Players at Boca

Besides Rodrigo Battaglia, Carlos Palacios (synovitis in his right knee), Edinson Cavani (lumbago), and Milton Giménez (pubalgia) are the players currently injured, and Alan Velasco and Lucas Janson might join them, as they left the field with physical discomfort. Specifically, the former Independiente player had ice applied to his left leg.

Úbeda has several absences.

However, regarding the four injured players with confirmed medical reports, Úbeda explained: “The others are in recovery stages, each at different phases; we hope they recover as quickly as possible so that I have a tough decision on whom to choose.”