Madelón waits on Tarragona, Estigarribia to spring shock in Mendoza | OneFootball

Cristian Tarragona and Marcelo Estigarribia are training separately at Unión, but they are doing everything possible to be available on Saturday against Independiente Rivadavia.

Just hours before the decisive clash against Independiente Rivadavia in the Round of 16 of the Torneo Apertura, all attention at Unión is focused on the physical condition of Cristian Tarragona and Marcelo Estigarribia, the team’s two starting strikers, who are currently training separately.

The situation is causing concern, although there is also a significant degree of optimism within the coaching staff led by Leonardo Madelón. Both Tarragona and Estigarribia are working almost alongside the group, although under special supervision to avoid worsening their discomfort.

Under normal circumstances, both would automatically be ruled out. But the context changes everything: this is a knockout match, with no margin for error, and that is why Unión will do everything possible to have them available on Saturday from 9:30 p.m. at Bautista Gargantini.

Estigarribia, the biggest concern at Unión

The most delicate case is that of Marcelo Estigarribia, who is dealing with adductor discomfort. The striker appears to be the most physically affected, and it has even been mentioned that he could miss the match.

Meanwhile, Cristian Tarragona is carrying an issue in his calf area. His situation is somewhat less complex, although his presence is not guaranteed either.

The final decision will be made virtually at the last minute before the match in Mendoza, as the coaching staff will wait until the very end to assess both players’ physical responses.

Colazo gains ground and Madelón considers alternatives

If one of the two attackers is unable to make it, the main candidate to come into the team is Agustín Colazo, who appears to be the first attacking alternative.

However, the scenario becomes much more complex if both starting strikers are ultimately unavailable. That is where Madelón would have to reshuffle the team and even change the tactical system.

In that context, names such as Lucas Menossi, Augusto Solari, Tomás González or even Franco Fragapane begin to gain ground, with the aim of strengthening the midfield and changing the team’s structure.

For now, the one who does not appear to be an option to start is Diego Armando Díaz, although he remains an attacking option on the bench.

Palavecino still training separately and Pittón ruled out

Another player who continues to train separately is Nicolás Palavecino, who is still behind in his recovery due to a significant muscle issue. His presence also looks highly doubtful for this decisive match.

Meanwhile, the only fully confirmed absence is Bruno Pittón, who suffered a meniscus injury in his left knee, the same one that was operated on last year after a cruciate ligament tear.

Unión, between hope and waiting

In Santa Fe, they know that one of the best teams of the semester will be in front of them, but they also understand that these kinds of matches are played with more than just football.

That is why, while the squad puts the finishing touches on preparations for the trip to Mendoza, the big question remains the same: will Tarragona and Estigarribia make it?

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