Gallardo prepares squad for Copa Argentina semi-final v Independiente Rivadavia | OneFootball

The Millionaire faces a crucial challenge against Independiente Rivadavia, and the Muñeco is working to find the ideal team. Acuña is expected to return to the starting lineup, while Enzo Pérez is still in doubt.

River has exhausted its margin for error during that disastrous streak of four consecutive defeats (in addition to the two that knocked them out of the Copa Libertadores), which is why every match until the end of the year is now decisive. And, without a doubt, the clash against Independiente Rivadavia next Friday in the Argentine Cup semifinals is among the most important.

In this week's training sessions, Marcelo Gallardo will try to outline the ideal starting eleven to face the match in Córdoba and keep alive one of the two chances to finish 2025 with a title (and the necessary qualification for the next Copa). The Muñeco already has the core of the team, but still has two doubts.

With the expected return of Marcos Acuña to the starting lineup once he is cleared, the presence of Enzo Pérez does raise questions. The River captain has been inactive for almost a month after suffering a cut on one of his knees during the elimination against Palmeiras in Brazil, and it is likely he will start on the bench.

Regardless of whether Enzo plays or not, one of Muñeco’s doubts is who will accompany Kevin Castaño and Juan Carlos Portillo in the midfield. Santiago Lencina played against Talleres, but for the semifinals, Giuliano Galoppo could return to the starting lineup. Ignacio Fernández is also in contention, though a bit further behind.

The other question Gallardo must resolve is who will partner Maximiliano Salas, the only forward with a guaranteed spot. Sebastián Driussi is coming off a poor performance against Talleres, and his replacement, Facundo Colidio, was decisive in sealing the victory at the Mario Alberto Kempes.

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