Velasco back for Boca, Úbeda regains key player for the semi-finals | OneFootball

Boca already knows that they will face Racing in the semifinals of the Torneo Clausura, and this Tuesday they will resume training in preparation for that match. Claudio Úbeda will assess the progress of Carlos Palacios, who is recovering after a great effort against Argentinos, and Ander Herrera, who is just about ready, but the week of work will begin with the definitive return of Alan Velasco.

The former Independiente player has finally overcome a strain in his right knee suffered after the thrashing against Newell’s on October 5th, and if he participates in all practices normally, he will be available to return after two months of absence. In fact, he was physically fit to play against Bicho, but the coach's decision was to preserve him due to his evident lack of rhythm.

His return comes just as the Chilean Palacios is struggling and far from his best football form. Although Sifón has been characterized in this brief and, so far, successful cycle by not changing the starting 11 too much, the outcome of this week will determine how many chances the former Colo-Colo player has to remain among the 11 and how many Velasco has to replace him.

Initially, the main intention is to ensure he can go through the week of training without any problems and test him in the football practice next Thursday. Without the intention of risking him, Úbeda hopes to have one more alternative for what will be a very challenging match at the Bombonera. It is most likely that he will not start, as he missed the last seven games, but he could be an important substitute.

In addition to the doubts arising from Palacios's physical condition and this more than likely return of Velasco, the coach will face increasing pressure from Edinson Cavani in the coming days. Although he hasn't dazzled in his appearances, the Matador continues to gain minutes and training and is eager for the decisive stages of the Torneo Clausura. The low performance and lack of goals from Milton Giménez could open the door for his return.

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