River: Gallardo starts the clear-out, Paulo Díaz and Borja left out | OneFootball

El Muñeco left the Chilean defender and the Colombian forward out of the squad list for the last match of the Torneo Clausura. It is known that River will undergo another squad renewal at the end of this season, but no one expected it to begin before the last match. Despite six absences due to injuries, suspensions, and international call-ups, Marcelo Gallardo decided to leave Paulo Díaz and Miguel Borja out of the squad for the match against Vélez.

The Chilean had started in the Superclásico at the Bombonera and, with Lucas Martínez Quarta suspended due to yellow card accumulation, he seemed to have his spot secured against El Fortín. However, his poor performance against Boca, combined with the fact that he was replaced by Lautaro Rivero some time ago, anticipated what is now an open secret in Núñez: Paulo Díaz’s cycle at River is over.

Although Borja has been a substitute practically since Gallardo’s return, he always had some participation coming off the bench. His last spell at the club was negative, but El Muñeco repeatedly turned to him for the center forward position, where alternatives are scarce. After another lackluster appearance last Sunday, added to missed penalties against Gimnasia and Independiente Rivadavia in the Copa Argentina, the coach decided his chances were over. The Colibrí’s time at El Millonario has also come to an end.

Although there are some footballing similarities, the situations of both players also have their differences. Paulo Díaz still has two years left on his contract, so his departure at age 31 will depend on a transfer. In contrast, Borja’s contract with River expires at the end of December, and it was already an open secret that his exit was decided. In fact, several clubs have already shown interest in signing him.

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