Without Paredes, Úbeda reshuffles Boca’s line-up for the Estudiantes clash | OneFootball

This afternoon, at La Bombonera, the coach will clear up the doubt between Herrera and Belmonte to replace the absence of the world champion. Milton Delgado earned a spot and will be in again due to Battaglia's injury.

For the first time since his return, Boca will do without its top figure to face a crucial match against Estudiantes: Leandro Paredes. The world champion midfielder was suspended due to the fifth yellow card he received against Barracas Central and, although he "cleared" for the Superclásico, he won't be able to play next Sunday in La Plata. In this context, this Thursday at La Bombonera, Claudio Úbeda will have to reorganize the team without his star.

Who will take his place in the center? Everything will be confirmed starting at 3 PM, in the formal practice that will take place in the xeneize temple, but at this hour there are two strong candidates: Ander Herrera and Tomás Belmonte. Williams Alarcón left doubts after his poor performance on Monday, but he is in pole position in the race against Exequiel Zeballos and Brian Aguirre for the starting spot.

Now fully fit after a year of ups and downs, the Basque is, due to his abilities, hierarchy, and experience, the ideal replacement for Paredes. He made his fourth consecutive appearance against Barracas, integrated into the midfield naturally, and provided Boca with options to maintain possession with the lead.

However, Úbeda must decide if he sees him fit to start after a long stretch or continues prioritizing him playing the second half to strengthen the team in the final minutes. If he leans towards this second option, Belmonte, who was key in the Club World Cup but then was sidelined by an injury and lost ground, would be the chosen one. After nine matches without seeing minutes, he came on with 13 minutes left last Monday in Olavarría and Luna.

The main dilemma regarding Boca's lineup, which besides Paredes will also be without Rodrigo Battaglia, meaning the backbone of the midfield, will have certainties by Thursday afternoon with the tactical session at La Bombonera. Milton Delgado earned a spot and will continue as a starter instead of the former Atlético Mineiro player.

Meanwhile, Juan Barinaga and Miguel Merentiel, the two injured from the 3-1 win against Guapo on Monday, trained without issues upon returning to practice and are available. The coaching staff's idea is to maintain the scheme, with the double nine shared between the Beast and Milton Giménez, who are in top form.

Awaiting practice, the Boca lineup shaping up against Estudiantes

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