Kendry Páez back in River training, eyes debut against Tigre | OneFootball

While those who were part of the delegation that traveled to Arroyito for the draw against Rosario Central had the day off, Kendry Páez added another training session with the rest of the River squad in Ezeiza. The Ecuadorian is eager to make his debut after his surprising arrival in Núñez, and Marcelo Gallardo will assess whether he is ready to get his first minutes against Tigre next Saturday at the Monumental.

Although the 18-year-old left-footer has only played 11 minutes in the four matches Racing de Strasbourg has played in 2026, he was available for all of them. In peak physical condition, since he was in the middle of the season in France, his main shortcoming today is probably on the football side. In addition, "El Muñeco" wants him to get more practice sessions to start getting familiar with his new teammates.

With a whole week ahead before the clash against "El Matador," if Páez meets the expectations of the coach, his chances of being present at the Monumental this weekend increase. Juan Fernando Quintero is currently the undisputed playmaker of the team, but the rest of the attacking positions are not yet defined. Sebastián Driussi got injured, and the other forwards have not lived up to expectations so far. In any case, if the new "millonario" signing makes it to the squad list, he would most likely start on the bench.

Having just arrived, without any football practice yet and with the starting team focused on the recent match against "El Canalla," Kendry has not yet been tested in front of "El Muñeco." With a similar role and position to Juanfer, though with different characteristics, the question is whether Gallardo will dare to play them together or if he will bet on the youngster as the captain's replacement.

In addition to Kendry Páez, Matías Viña (suspended, did not play in Rosario), Ezequiel Centurión (cleared after the wrist fracture he suffered at Independiente Rivadavia), and all those who were not part of the squad also trained at River Camp.

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