Russo picks Palacios’ replacement to face Defensa y Justicia | OneFootball

Even though Miguel Ángel Russo is still hospitalized and his presence this Saturday at 7 PM in Florencio Varela against Defensa y Justicia is in doubt, he has made a decision regarding the starting eleven that will face the Halcón: Alan Velasco will replace Carlos Palacios. The Chilean suffered a strain of the left pectineus muscle during Thursday's practice and, although there was some doubt, it will be the former Independiente player who will join the team.

The idea of the Xeneize coaching staff was to repeat the lineup that drew 2-2 against Central Córdoba at La Bombonera last Sunday. However, the Chilean’s injury changed their plans. The attacking midfielder, who had performed well against the Ferroviario, was unable to finish Thursday morning’s training session and underwent tests in the afternoon that confirmed the injury.

Forced to make a change, Claudio Úbeda and Juvenal Rodríguez, with Russo’s approval, opted for the logical choice: to put Velasco in. Although he lost his starting spot as the matches went by (he started in all three Club World Cup games and the first four of the Clausura), he has always been an important player for the coach. In fact, last weekend, he was Boca’s only substitution in the match.

Another option was to bring in Williams Alarcón, in case Russo wanted to field a more defensive team in Varela. The Chilean is another regular substitute and is favored by the coaching staff. In the end, he will have to watch the match from the bench, but he is not ruled out as an option to come on in the second half.

Having broken out against Independiente Rivadavia and showing more drive than football so far, Velasco will have a new opportunity to prove why Boca trusted him and paid 10 million dollars for him last summer. In total, the youth product of Rojo has played 28 matches in blue and gold, scoring one goal and providing one assist.

The possible Boca lineup vs. Defensa y Justicia, for the Clausura Tournament

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