The kickoff of the 2023 Professional League brought Boca Juniors more challenges than triumphs, with a string of headlines that overshadowed their early efforts. The club entered the season with ambitions to reestablish itself as a title contender in Argentine football and to claim a third league crown, a milestone the club has not achieved in its history. At present, coach Hugo Ibarra is steering a squad that has yet to hit peak form, and the squad has been hit by a wave of injuries that linger from last year as well as some fresh setbacks from the current campaign.
This piece in GOAL sheds light on the players currently sidelined by Boca and the expected timelines for their return, painting a clearer picture of how these absences are shaping the team’s dynamics on match days.
WHO IS OUT OF ACTION FOR BOCA AND HOW LONG WILL THEY BE ON THE SIDELINES?
During the third round of the LPF season, Boca faced Talleres in a clash that exposed several fragilities. Orsini had to depart the field early due to a tear described as a minor puncture, a diagnosis that nevertheless kept him off the pitch for more time than expected. Zeballos, meanwhile, endured knee discomfort that was subsequently confirmed as requiring surgical intervention to address meniscal issues. The diagnosis meant an extended spell away from competition as the squad recalibrated for the road ahead.
Weeks passed, and the striker remained unavailable, his absence a persistent nag for the team as they navigated a tricky spell in the calendar. The Changuito, who had undergone surgery, showed encouraging signs of recovery and was cleared to begin training again with the squad on Monday, March 27. The plan, frame by frame, was to reintroduce him to competitive action by the ninth round, with a view toward bolstering the attack and adding depth to the forward line for the upcoming fixtures against Barracas Central.
One of the players most missed at La Bombonera is Marcos Rojo, whose return has been delayed by the severity of ligament injuries suffered in October in Junín. Rojo’s extended absence has left a notable void at the heart of the defense, as Boca searches for stability and leadership on the back line while contending with a congested schedule and a demanding league race.
Injuries have punctuated Boca’s early campaign, complicating Ibarra’s tasks as he pieces together a cohesive lineup for every match. The club has remained committed to giving its squad every chance to rebound, reinforcing the idea that patience and precise recovery plans are essential to returning to the form that fans and analysts expect.
As the season advances, supporters and staff are watching closely how these comebacks will influence Boca’s trajectory. The team’s resilience will be tested as they aim to reclaim momentum, secure crucial results, and propel themselves back into the conversation for the league title race.