Ander Herrera, Janson and Velasco doubtful for clash with Estudiantes | OneFootball

The three footballers who were substituted in the win against Riestra requested to be taken off and will be evaluated when training resumes. The main concern is the former Vélez striker, who has a discomfort in his calf.

Without shining, but with presence and conviction, Boca began the Apertura Tournament with a home victory against Riestra. However, the night brought confirmation that Rodrigo Battaglia will have to undergo surgery and, in addition, concern over the three players who asked to be substituted: Ánder Herrera, Lucas Janson, and Alan Velasco.

As soon as Lautaro di Lollo scored the only goal of the night with a header, the Spanish midfielder looked to the bench and made an emphatic gesture that “he couldn’t go on”. Crossing his arms in the air and pointing to himself, he dropped to the ground and requested the substitution. Given the background throughout 2025, the fans immediately held their heads in their hands and feared the worst.

However, and although he was holding his left side, Herrera left the field only due to fatigue. Aside from a possible minor discomfort, his case is not considered worrisome. The coaching staff will wait to see how he reintegrates into training on Monday, but, beyond the decision to manage his minutes amid a tight schedule, they believe he will be available.

Janson had come off earlier. At the moment of his substitution for Íker Zufiaurre, the striker was seen exchanging a few words with Claudio Úbeda, who later confirmed in a press conference that he had suffered a physical problem. “He came off with a calf discomfort and the substitution for Íker was also to bring on a fresher player,” he said at the press conference.

Moreover, aware of the usual criticism towards the former Vélez player, Sifón valued his contribution and positive attitude. “Lucas Janson is a 100% professional player. When he didn’t play or wasn’t called up, he always came to train and was positive from his place, which is why he got his chance. He had to do quite a bit of dirty work because he had to hold off the opposing center-backs. It was a tough challenge. He moved well to the flanks, provided support, but it wasn’t an easy match for a center forward,” the coach stated.

Although he is originally the fourth ‘number 9’ in the squad, injuries to Edinson Cavani (lower back pain), Milton Giménez (groin pain, may require surgery), and Miguel Merentiel (muscle tear) made him the starting center forward for the Apertura debut. Boca will not recover any of the other three, which is why Úbeda will be paying close attention to Janson’s progress. If he’s fit, he will start again on Wednesday against Estudiantes.

The other substitution in the match (all three in separate windows; Úbeda used up all his changes even though he still had two available) was Alan Velasco coming off for Brian Aguirre. The former Independiente player didn’t have much impact and left the field with a visible pain in his right knee. Once on the bench, he was seen with ice on that area.

Although at first there is no concern since it appears to be just a knock, Boca will be monitoring his recovery closely as it is the same knee that kept him out at the end of 2025. Awaiting the arrival of Ángel Romero and with Carlos Palacios still injured, it is likely that if he is fit, he will return to the starting lineup against Pincha.

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