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The news sent shockwaves through the Boca World just hours before their trip to Belo Horizonte, where they will face Cruzeiro on Thursday to determine the outcome of their round of 16 series in the Copa Sudamericana: Edinson Cavani will be unavailable.
The impact is significant due to Cavani’s role in Diego Martínez’s strategy and the proximity of the match. The player who scored the pivotal goal granting Boca a narrow advantage at La Bombonera will miss the return leg because of a grade two muscle injury in the soleus of his left leg. Milton Giménez is expected to take his place in the starting lineup.
Specifically, The Matador experienced discomfort in his soleus that forced him to leave training early in Ezeiza. Although he was initially included in the list of players called up by the Xeneize, the coaching staff ultimately decided he would not participate against the Brazilian team. The top scorer also missed the Sunday classic against San Lorenzo, which Boca won 3-2, aiming to be in optimal condition for Thursday’s match.
With the confirmation of his injury, Cavani will also miss the match against Estudiantes on Monday in La Plata. His goal now is to try to return in three weeks (the estimated recovery time) to be in the best possible shape for the Superclásico scheduled for September 22 at La Bombonera.
Since the competitions resumed after the Copa América, Cavani has played in 5 of the 9 matches that Boca has participated in. He completed three of these matches (he came on twice just before the final whistle). Despite having logged 216 minutes across the round of 32 match against Independiente del Valle and the games against Instituto and Banfield, he had to rest during the draw with Barracas Central and ahead of the classic against San Lorenzo, after having played against Cruzeiro and Independiente Rivadavia.
Unless there are surprises, the main candidate to replace Edinson in Belo Horizonte is Milton Giménez, a newcomer who has scored two stunning goals (a heel kick against Barracas and a bicycle kick against Ciclón) and delivered impressive performances. If this occurs, the former Newell’s player will partner with Miguel Merentiel in the attack.
Before Thursday’s match, and not knowing he would be starting due to Cavani’s absence, Giménez, who joined from Necaxa for around 4 million dollars, expressed gratitude to the fans for their support in his early matches. The supporters contribute a lot. They help you win games. You could feel it the other day. It’s very difficult to have them against you, and it works in your favor,” he stated in an interview with the club’s official channel.
He also reflected on the significance of his jersey number (He wears the number 9 jersey), which has been worn by great club legends like Martín Palermo. “It carries a significant weight. It has been worn by renowned players and national team members. Time to honor it for what it represents in Boca’s history,” he said.
With Cavani’s absence confirmed, the Boca squad concluded training in Ezeiza around noon and took a charter flight to Belo Horizonte at 2 PM, expected to arrive at the hotel around 7 PM.
After Thursday’s match, Boca will remain in Brazil for one more day, training on Friday morning at the Atlético Mineiro complex. This extended stay is intended to maximize training time in preparation for the match against Pincha on Monday in La Plata.
In addition to the unexpected substitution of Giménez for Cavani, the Xeneize coach may decide to include Agustín Martegani in the starting lineup. His performance in the first leg, where he assisted on the goal for El Matador after a precise pass from Kevin Zenón, convinced the staff to consider him for the midfield. If confirmed, the Chilean Gary Medel could be the one chosen.
In summary, the likely blue and gold lineup that will take the field seeking qualification for the quarter-finals against Cruzeiro would be: Sergio Romero; Luis Advíncula, Cristian Lema, Marcos Rojo, Lautaro Blanco; Agustín Martegani, Cristian Medina, Pol Fernández, Kevin Zenón; Miguel Merentiel and Edinson Cavani.
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Edinson Cavani Will Miss Crucial Copa Sudamericana Match Against Cruzeiro
The Boca Juniors community was left reeling as the news broke that star player Edinson Cavani will not participate in their pivotal clash against Cruzeiro in the Copa Sudamericana. The matchup, which is set to take place in Belo Horizonte this Thursday, marks the second leg of the round of 16 series. The impact of Cavani’s absence cannot be understated, given his significant role in coach Diego Martínez’s tactical setup.
The Injury Impact
Cavani has been a key figure for Boca Juniors this season, having scored the decisive goal in the first leg against Cruzeiro at La Bombonera. Unfortunately, he has suffered a grade two muscle injury in the soleus of his left leg, rendering him unfit for duty in this crucial match. As a result, Milton Giménez is expected to step into the starting lineup as Cavani’s replacement.
The Training Setback
Details surrounding Cavani’s injury reveal that he felt discomfort in his soleus during training in Ezeiza, which led to him leaving the session prematurely. Initially listed to play, the coaching staff made the difficult decision to withdraw him from the match against the Brazilian side. Notably, Cavani also sat out the weekend’s classic against San Lorenzo, where Boca secured a 3-2 victory, as part of efforts to ensure he was in peak condition for the upcoming match.
Looking Ahead: Recovery and Team Strategy
With Cavani sidelined, he will not only miss the match against Cruzeiro but will also be absent for the clash against Estudiantes on Monday in La Plata. The club is aiming for him to recover within three weeks, which would ideally see him return for the highly anticipated Superclásico scheduled for September 22 at La Bombonera.
Since the Copa América, Cavani has played five out of Boca’s nine fixtures, managing to complete three of these matches successfully.
Milton Giménez: The Rising Star
In Cavani’s stead, Milton Giménez emerges as the prime candidate to lead the attack in Belo Horizonte. The recently signed forward, who joined Boca from Necaxa for around 4 million dollars, boasts impressive technical skills, highlighted by his stunning goals against Barracas Central and Ciclón. Giménez has made an immediate impact, and his confidence is growing as he dons Boca’s iconic number 9 shirt, previously worn by legends like Martín Palermo.
In a recent interview, Giménez expressed gratitude for the support from Boca’s passionate fanbase, stating, “The fans contribute a lot. They make you win games.” He acknowledged the importance of his number while emphasizing his commitment to honoring Boca’s storied legacy.
Team Preparation and Strategic Adjustments
With Cavani’s absence confirmed, Boca Juniors concluded their training session at Ezeiza and boarded a charter flight to Belo Horizonte. They are expected to arrive at their hotel around 7 PM local time. Following Thursday’s encounter, the squad will remain in Brazil for an additional day to maximize training time ahead of Monday’s match against Estudiantes.
In addition to Giménez’s likely promotion, coach Diego Martínez may consider including Agustín Martegani in the starting lineup. He has impressed with his contributions in the midfield, particularly for his assist during Cavani’s goal in the first leg. This tactical shift could see Martegani replace veteran Gary Medel as the midfield anchor.
Probable Boca Starting XI Against Cruzeiro
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Sergio Romero |
| Defender | Luis Advíncula |
| Defender | Cristian Lema |
| Defender | Marcos Rojo |
| Defender | Lautaro Blanco |
| Midfielder | Agustín Martegani |
| Midfielder | Cristian Medina |
| Midfielder | Pol Fernández |
| Midfielder | Kevin Zenón |
| Forward | Miguel Merentiel |
| Forward | Milton Giménez |
Boca’s Tactical Considerations
As Boca prepares for this crucial encounter, tactical adjustments will be key. The absence of Cavani not only affects the attacking dynamic but also poses challenges in terms of pressing and counter-attacking strategies. Giménez’s mobility and skill could provide Boca with the agility needed to outmaneuver Cruzeiro’s defense. Moreover, Martegani’s potential inclusion can bolster the midfield, allowing Boca to control possession more effectively and create deeper attacking plays.
The coaching staff’s meticulous planning signals their commitment to maintaining high performance levels in the face of adversity. With each player expected to step up, Boca Juniors aims to secure a victory and advance to the quarter-finals. The fans will undoubtedly play a crucial role, providing the much-needed support and motivation for the players on the pitch.
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