The three River players set to join after Tigre | OneFootball

The return of Matías Viña and the inclusion of Maximiliano Salas in place of the injured Sebastián Driussi are the only two changes River will make to face Tigre this Saturday at the Monumental. However, for the following match against Argentinos in La Paternal, there could be three significant updates: the returns to the starting lineup of Franco Armani and Marcos Acuña, and the call-up of Kendry Páez.

El Muñeco is very pleased with what the Uruguayan full-back has done since his arrival, despite his childish sending-off against Gimnasia, and that's why he will give Huevo almost another week to get up to speed after a preseason in which he had to deal with a severe foot injury. Out of necessity, the world champion had his first minutes of the year in Arroyito, but he was noticeably lacking in match fitness. With more training sessions and more game rhythm, it's practically certain that he will return to the starting eleven.

In goal, the situation is similar, although with a greater imbalance regarding the importance of the names involved. Armani is the undisputed owner of the position, but a muscle tear and subsequent inflammation in the Achilles tendon of his right leg have prevented him from playing so far this year. His place was well filled by Santiago Beltrán, who, in fact, has yet to concede a goal for River (including the two preseason matches).

El Pulpo is already training alongside the rest of the squad and is expected to return in the fifth round against el Bicho. The 21-year-old youngster would be his backup, and Ezequiel Centurión, back after his loan at Independiente Rivadavia, would find himself in such an uncomfortable situation that he might even return to Mendoza.

The return of two world champions would be the main news in the starting eleven for the match in La Paternal on Thursday, February 12 (or, failing that, for the debut in the Copa Argentina against Ciudad Bolivar on Tuesday, the 17th). In addition to these two comebacks, a highly anticipated debut could take place: that of Kendry Páez.

The 18-year-old Ecuadorian has only had a handful of training sessions wearing River's kit, and the coaching staff has decided not to rush his debut. For now, the idea is for him to adapt to the group, to Argentine football, to the environment, and to the country before stepping onto the pitch. There is a chance he could be at the Diego Armando Maradona for the fifth round of the Apertura, but it is almost certain that he will be part of the squad traveling to San Luis for the round of 32 of the Copa Argentina.

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