The opening phase of the 2023 Professional League brought a mix of early struggles and notable injuries for Boca Juniors, a club eager to reclaim its standing in Argentine football and chase a third league title in its history. Coach Hugo Ibarra faced not only a tough start but also the challenge of missing key players, with several sidelined due to troubles that stretch back to 2022 and have lingered into the current campaign.
In GOAL we review the current situation at Xeneize, focusing on the players who have been absent and the expected timeline for their return. The squad’s early clashes underscored the difficulty of a season that demands consistency, depth, and quick adaptations as the team recalibrates after a demanding preseason and a rocky start to the league schedule.
WHO ARE THE PLAYERS WHO ARE INJURED IN THE MOUTH AND HOW LONG ARE THEY OUT?
The most recent setback for the squad happened during the third matchday against Talleres, when Orsini had to exit early with what was described as a soft tissue issue rather than a true tear. The short absence he faced has since been evaluated, with recovery progressing steadily as medical staff monitor his rehabilitation and readiness for a return to training sessions with the group.
Zeballos also encountered knee trouble during that game and subsequently faced further assessment. It was later confirmed that he required surgical intervention to address an issue with the menisci. The operation marked a significant hurdle, and the return-to-play timeline has been the subject of ongoing evaluation as the team plans its lineup around his potential involvement later in the campaign.
More than a month after the incident, the striker remains unavailable, continuing to contend with the lingering effects that have haunted him since his arrival at the club. Meanwhile, El Changuito has shown a commendable path back from surgery, with announcements indicating he would join group training on a specific date and could be fit for selection by the ninth round, potentially lining up against Barracas Central if all goes well.
The player repeatedly cited as crucial to the club’s balance is Marcos Rojo, whose recovery from ligament injuries sustained in October in Junín has kept him out for an extended period. His absence has been felt across the defense, where experience and leadership are most needed as the team adjusts to different tactical setups and competing demands on a crowded calendar.
These developments illustrate how injuries have shaped the early phase of the season, testing depth and forcing tactical flexibility. The coaching staff has had to explore alternatives in formation and rotation, aiming to maintain competitiveness while safeguarding longer-term player health and performance. As the campaign unfolds, the aim remains clear: restore consistency, build momentum, and maintain a competitive edge in a league that continually rewards resilience and depth.
With the calendar advancing, the club continues to monitor fitness levels, rehabilitation progress, and readiness for match duty. The medical and coaching staffs collaborate closely to manage workloads and minimize risk, hoping to minimize further disruptions and keep the squad aligned with its ambitious objectives for 2023.