Blow for Boca: Zeballos out with muscle tear vs Vélez | OneFootball

Just when it seemed that Boca’s striker drama was coming to an end, Exequiel Zeballos raised the alarm. Changuito felt discomfort during the first part of Wednesday’s practice and underwent medical tests. Bolavip was able to confirm that he suffered a hamstring tear.

The forward, who had been one of Claudio Ubeda’s best players, was unable to complete the first of two training sessions scheduled for February 4. The number 7’s physical problem is causing concern among the coaching staff, as the injury will force him to miss several official matches.

This unforeseen setback comes just as Miguel Merentiel and Edinson Cavani were beginning to put their respective injuries behind them and were training with the group. In this way, Boca loses one of its most important players at the start of the championship.

The big headache for the coach is that Zeballos does not have a natural replacement. Brian Aguirre was loaned to Estudiantes de La Plata and the other winger is Gonzalo Gelini, who started in the last match against Newell’s. In that position, Ubeda could only improvise with Zufiaurre, Ángel Romero, or Kevin Zenón. Otherwise, he will have to consider a change in formation.

Merentiel and Cavani prepare for their return

In Tuesday’s training session, Edinson Cavani responded well to his lower back pain and took part in the football drills. This is a great sign that, at the very least, he could be included in the squad to visit Vélez next Sunday at the José Amalfitani stadium.

Miguel Merentiel also trained alongside his teammates and will continue to be monitored. His presence in Liniers will depend on his physical and football recovery. It’s worth remembering that “the Beast” suffered a calf tear in the friendly against Olimpia on January 18.

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