Boca Juniors largely bypassed the local rivals, signaling a calm period for the usual starting lineup as they aim to balance priorities across competitions.
The 2023 Professional League Cup has shifted from a main objective for Boca, with attention temporarily shifting ahead to upcoming fixtures. For now, the club holds its focus on the November 4 showdown against Fluminense at the Maracaná, a match that will set the tone for their return to domestic duties and the Argentine Cup. In the national league, the distance to the Playoffs is currently five points away from the last qualifying position, a gap that keeps the team vigilant even though it remains near the relegation-threatened zone.
Regardless of the pressures, the mission remains clear: secure three points. The next date, number 9, sees Boca hosting Unión at the Bombonera on a Friday night game at 9:30 PM. Unión, known as the “Tatengue,” will be aiming to escape the danger zone and seize any opportunity presented by Boca’s focus on larger objectives.
BOCA CALLS
There was no rest for the Boca squad during the FIFA international window, as they faced a stern test against Talleres in the Argentinian Cup, progressing on penalties. This extended the team’s period without true downtime, reinforcing the need for depth and readiness. Additionally, Luis Advíncula and Frank Fabra rejoined the squad midway in the week after featuring in World Cup qualifiers for Peru and Colombia, respectively, returning with renewed match fitness.
As for injury news, two positive updates emerged for coach Jorge Almirón. Equi Fernández is dealing with a mere muscle overload, a reassurance about his availability. In a separate line of good news, Luca Langoni, after being sidelined for a month, was cleared to add minutes in reserves, signaling a cautious but hopeful recovery path.
THE MOUTH’S FORMATION
Facing a decisive moment before the grand final against Fluminense, the squad’s plans revolve around balancing rhythm with rest. The manager must decide whether to field the core of the starting eleven to maintain momentum or rotate personnel to reduce the risk of new injuries among key players. Marcos Rojo remains unavailable for the Maracanã clash due to an issue that sidelines him from this important encounter.
Thursday’s training session is anticipated to be the turning point for practical decisions about resting players. The group will evaluate the fitness of Cristian Medina, Equi Fernández, Valentín Barco, and Edinson Cavani, who exited the previous match exhausted but ready to be assessed for potential minutes off the bench or a more limited role. The strategic approach will aim to keep essential players fresh without sacrificing competitive edge as the club pursues a successful run in multiple fronts.
Overall, the team’s plan emphasizes smart management of resources, readiness for immediate test matches, and the long-term objective of securing trophies while maintaining domestic competitiveness. The coaching staff will watch closely how the squad adapts to the schedule, injuries, and form across the upcoming week, ready to adjust plans as necessary to uphold Boca’s season-long ambitions.