Herrera and Belmonte may rejoin squad ahead of Rosario Central | OneFootball

After a week in which the workload gradually increased, the two midfielders returned to training with the group and hope to be on the bench at the Gigante de Arroyito.

While awaiting a decision regarding the possible return of Miguel Ángel Russo after his health issues, Boca continues its preparations for the match against Rosario Central. With Claudio Úbeda at the helm, the squad resumed training and received some good news: the returns of Ander Herrera and Tomás Belmonte.

After a week in which they alternated between practicing with the rest of the squad and lighter sessions with youth players, which involved less physical demand, both players started the week fully integrated and are aiming to be called up for the trip to Arroyito.

The Spaniard has not played since the match against Benfica on June 17, during the Club World Cup. That day he suffered a muscle tear and it took him over a month to be available again. And just when he was about to return, against Atlético Tucumán for the Copa Argentina (July 24), he suffered another muscle injury that prolonged his absence by another month and a half.

Aware of Ander Herrera’s physical fragility at 36 years old (he has only played nine matches in this jersey), Boca’s coaching staff intends to bring him back gradually so he doesn’t relapse. That’s why they will assess his condition in the training sessions leading up to the match against the Canalla and, at best, will have him on the bench in Rosario.

The case of Tomás Belmonte is different. This is his second muscle tear of the year, in addition to a strain in the first matches of 2025, and his recovery time took longer than expected. Toto hasn’t played since the 0-1 loss to Huracán in Parque Patricios on July 27.

Now, fully fit, the former Lanús player is one of the options Russo (if he’s back) or Úbeda will have for the visit to Rosario Central. His versatility and fighting spirit are assets that, so far, this coaching staff has always valued.

In any case, during his absence, as well as Herrera’s, Russo found his starting midfield. With Leandro Paredes as the central figure and undisputed leader, his current partner is Rodrigo Battaglia. That’s the spot Belmonte and Herrera are competing for, although they could also be added to a three-man midfield triangle. Either way, for now, they are behind, both due to physical reasons and the good performances of the starters.

However, there is an asterisk to consider: Paredes will join training on Thursday, after returning from Ecuador, where he will play with the Argentina national team this Tuesday. While it’s unlikely he’ll miss the match against the Canalla, it remains to be seen how he finishes after also starting last Thursday in the win against Venezuela at the Monumental.

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