Day off for River squad after Superclásico defeat | OneFootball

River continues its bad streak this semester, and after losing 2-0 against Boca in the Superclásico, it worsened even more, as they have accumulated eight losses in their last 11 matches. As a result, they are in a difficult position regarding qualification for the Libertadores through the annual table.

After this tough defeat, the Millionaire's coach, Marcelo Gallardo, decided to give the team the day off, so the players will have Monday off and will only return to training on Tuesday afternoon, to prepare for the match against Vélez at the José Amalfitani.

This decision by the ‘Muñeco’ is usually repeated after each match, as the players are given the next day off so they can rest at home and return in optimal condition for the next commitment.

Even though this is a typical measure taken by the coach, River fans did not like it because they are upset with the team's current situation, having won only 2 of the last 11 games, and being eliminated from both the Copa Argentina and the Copa Libertadores.

Moreover, they expressed their displeasure with the players' statements, as after the defeat against the Xeneize, Franco Armani and Lucas Martínez Quarta stated that this bad moment would be overcome by working hard, which is why the fans didn't like them having the day off.

Ahead of the match against Vélez, River is waiting to know the schedule for the last date, which will be revealed after the conclusion of the 15th round of the Torneo Clausura. In this, it will be determined in which position they will finish in Group B, as well as their place in the annual table, thinking about the Libertadores 2026.

For this match against the Fortín, Gallardo will have to make at least four changes compared to the team that lost against Boca, as there will be absences due to suspensions, as well as national team call-ups and physical injuries.

The absences River will have against Vélez

Upon returning to training, Gallardo will have to plan an XI with at least four changes. Both Lucas Martínez Quarta and Marcos Acuña received their fifth yellow card, so they will have to serve a suspension against the Fortín.

On the other hand, Maxi Meza suffered a patellar tendon injury, requiring three months of recovery and will not be able to play. Finally, Colombian Kevin Castaño was called up to the Colombian National Team, so he will also not be available to the coach.

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