Big blow for Boca: Leandro Paredes ruled out against Racing

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La Número 12

·18 Februari 2026

Big blow for Boca: Leandro Paredes ruled out against Racing

The significant absence that Boca will have for the clásico against Racing has been confirmed: Leandro Paredes will miss the match due to injury. The world champion had been substituted against Platense because of that discomfort in his ankle.

Last Sunday, the image of Paredes asking to be substituted caught everyone’s attention and set off alarms within Xeneize. It was later revealed that the midfielder had been carrying an ankle injury, which he was treating in order to play the matches.

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The midfielder was injured in the last match of last season, precisely against the upcoming opponent: Racing. Due to the break and the preseason in between, he was able to play the following matches, with persistent pain, but he managed to be there to help the team.

Paredes left La Bombonera with ice on his ankle. Photo: Gerónimo Marino/La Número 12.

However, now he will be forced to stop. Paredes has a sprain in his right ankle as a result of a blow suffered in the match against la Academia. This acute ligament injury was caused by a forced movement, twisting to one side and exceeding the ankle’s natural elasticity.

The matches Paredes will miss for Boca

The kick that caused this injury came from Santiago Solari during a challenge for the ball on December 7. That day, Xeneize lost to the team from Avellaneda and was eliminated from the Torneo Clausura.

Xeneize must play without its captain. Photo: Gerónimo Marino/La Número 12.

Due to this injury, the player from San Justo will not be able to play Friday’s match against the same opponent he was injured against. It will be a tough loss for Claudio Úbeda’s team, which will have Milton Delgado as the main option to replace him. Additionally, he could also miss the Copa Argentina match scheduled for next Tuesday.