With Janson, Boca's likely starting XI for the Torneo Apertura opener | OneFootball

The preseason is starting to wind down at Boca Predio and the focus shifts to competition mode. After weeks of physical preparation, the ball is rolling again in a 2026 that promises to be eventful, and the Xeneize will look to start it off on the right foot against Deportivo Riestra, while still searching for reinforcements. With days to go before the debut, it is a fact that Claudio Úbeda will have to improvise with his central forward due to the absences.

The big news is that, ahead of Sunday's match and while the club negotiates for several attackers, the strongest option to wear the "9" is Lucas Janson. A player sidelined for much of 2025 who, barring unforeseen circumstances, will have his big opportunity as a starter following Miguel Merentiel's injury. The former Vélez player replaced "La Bestia" in the friendly against Olimpia, performed well in that position, and is now leading the race.

Of course, this unexpected appearance in Boca's first team of the year is directly related to the complex situation Úbeda faces in the center forward position. Merentiel's absence is compounded by the physical problems of Edinson Cavani and Milton Giménez, who have been dealing with discomfort since the start of the preseason.

The "Matador" has yet to overcome a persistent backache, while "El Cabo" is unable to train normally due to a groin injury that has been troubling him. Neither is at one hundred percent and they aim to recover in time for the second match of the Apertura, while the Uruguayan has at least three weeks of recovery ahead.

Apart from the unexpected situation in that specific position, the rest of the team would not vary much compared to the one that played in the first friendly (0-0) against Millonarios, although with the presence of Alan Velasco instead of Brian Aguirre, considering the performances of both. The former Independiente player has improved his level, scored a goal, and gained ground.

Boca's probable lineup for the debut against Riestra

Agustín Marchesín; Juan Barinaga, Lautaro Di Lollo, Ayrton Costa, Lautaro Blanco; Ander Herrera, Leandro Paredes, Milton Delgado; Alan Velasco, Lucas Janson, and Exequiel Zeballos.

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