Martínez Quarta and Montiel impress, could start against Racing | OneFootball

The defenders were put to the test in Friday's practice and physically guaranteed their participation in the starting eleven next Monday.

Next Monday at 19:30, a River team emotionally shaken has the chance to change course against Racing at the Cilindro de Avellaneda, in the round of 16 of the Torneo Clausura. Ahead of this crucial clash, Marcelo Gallardo received the good news that both Lucas Martínez Quarta and Gonzalo Montiel responded well in the morning practice and could return to the starting eleven.

The Millonario regains players for the classic next Monday, after a draw against Vélez where the coach had to improvise with several young players due to the large number of absences. Kevin Castaño and Matías Galarza Fonda returned from representing their national teams in the last FIFA date, while Marcos Acuña and Lucas Martínez Quarta served their respective suspensions for accumulating yellow cards.

The latter also had to reduce his training load this week due to a strong blow to his right knee. In Friday's practice at River Camp, the defender responded well and will be available to visit the Academia. It should be noted that against Fortín, Juan Carlos Portillo had played as the main center-back, as Gallardo decided to leave Paulo Díaz out for the remaining matches of the year.

A different case is that of Facundo Colidio, who has been recovering for 17 days from a hamstring tear in his right leg suffered against Gimnasia that sidelined him from the Superclásico and the match in Liniers. He was also tested by the coaching staff and, if he receives medical clearance this weekend, he will be part of the squad list and will be on the bench.

Considering this scenario, River would line up in Avellaneda with Franco Armani in goal; Gonzalo Montiel or Fabricio Bustos would occupy the right-back position, while the rest of the defense would be composed of Lucas Martínez Quarta, Lautaro Rivero, and Marcos Acuña. Enzo Pérez and Juan Carlos Portillo would share the midfield, with Juan Fernando Quintero and Santiago Lencina as playmakers. Sebastián Driussi and Maximiliano Salas would be the forwards.

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