Enzo Pérez set for possible return to River’s starting XI | OneFootball

River faces Vélez in their last chance to secure a spot in Phase 2 of the Copa Libertadores through the annual table, a goal/obligation that no longer depends solely on themselves. Additionally, there are players of great significance in the club’s history who could be playing their final matches. Such is the case of Enzo Pérez, who, after almost two months without playing, could return to the starting lineup.

The captain and one of the greatest idols of the last decades in Núñez last played in the second leg against Palmeiras, on September 24. That day, in addition to suffering a tough elimination, Enzo sustained a deep cut above one of his knees, which required seven stitches and kept him out of the squad for about a month.

The 39-year-old midfielder from Mendoza has been available to Marcelo Gallardo since the Copa Argentina semifinal against Independiente Rivadavia, on October 24, but has not played again. He didn’t come on that day nor did he get any minutes in the defeats against Gimnasia and Boca last weekend.

With a contract until the end of 2025 and retirement drawing ever closer, Enzo Pérez risks experiencing the same farewell that Muñeco had when he left River in 2010: on the bench and without playing. However, just days before the match against Vélez and with Kevin Castaño absent, it’s likely that in Liniers he’ll once again wear the captain’s armband from the start on his right arm.

Muñeco’s dilemma is clear: bet on the new faces and the youngsters, or trust again in the stalwarts from better times. Against Boca, the decision was clear, and it went badly. Now, with the obligation to win and wait for other results, the coach might send Enzo onto the pitch. Another likely starter is Milton Casco, due to the suspension of Marcos Acuña. Ignacio Fernández, another veteran, would be on the bench.

If Enzo Pérez does play, he’ll probably do so alongside Juan Carlos Portillo in midfield, forming a tandem that will try to bring balance to a team that currently struggles in all areas of the game. Giuliano Galoppo and, later on, Juan Fernando Quintero could complete that midfield lineup.

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