Boca Juniors navigate a close call as Benedetto’s fitness is reassessed ahead of the Libertadores final
Boca Juniors acted swiftly after Darío Benedetto felt a troubling adductor discomfort early in the match, forcing him to depart the field. The club was already focused on the looming Libertadores final in Rio de Janeiro, while domestic fixtures in Argentina needed attention in the interim. The medical and coaching staff agreed that substituting Benedetto was a precaution aimed at safeguarding long term readiness for the decisive clash in Brazil.
Eleven days before the highly anticipated Copa Libertadores final against Fluminense at the Maracaná, Boca faced a domestic obligation against Racing in the tenth round of the 2023 LPF Cup. The schedule demanded a careful balance between keeping form in the national competition and preserving key players for the continental showdown. This balance underscored a broader strategic approach as the team prepared for international action without sacrificing the rhythms of the domestic calendar.
The focus in Rio de Janeiro was on assembling a competitive lineup that could adapt to the absence of some familiar names while maintaining attacking threat. One player who remained central to the plans was Benedetto, who worked to manage his workload and ensure peak condition for the edition of the final that would crown the Libertadores champions. The coaching staff emphasized a measured approach, recognizing the workload on a squad required to perform across multiple fronts.
BENDETTO’S HEALTH UPDATE
Benedetto felt discomfort within minutes of the first half and did not hesitate to leave the field. He later described the issue as an adductor strain and accepted that the breakthrough would require ongoing monitoring rather than immediate removal from duties. The coaching staff issued a precautionary order to protect the player should any pain recur, and Benedetto received attention from the medical team on the bench before a careful assessment of the leg began to unfold.
Several hours of rest followed, and a comprehensive battery of tests was performed on Wednesday morning to determine the nature and severity of the complaint. The club reported that there was no muscular tear; instead, Benedetto was managing a contracture. This distinction carried important implications for the days ahead, signaling that the issue could respond well to rest and controlled rehabilitation rather than a longer term injury setback.
The plan for Benedetto remained provisional rather than punitive. He would be closely monitored by medical staff and coaches in the days leading up to the final, with decisions made in real time based on how the leg responded to treatment and training load. The emphasis stayed on keeping him available for the trip to Rio and ensuring he could contribute at a high level when the match against Fluminense reached its climax at the Maracaná.
The club indicated that Benedetto would likely be retained for the upcoming match against Estudiantes, allowing him to continue building match fitness and maintain his rhythm ahead of the Libertadores final. This approach reflected a broader philosophy of protecting key players while preserving the team’s competitive edge for the most important game of the season. The aim was clear: arrive in Brazil with a squad ready to compete at the highest level and a standout forward who could make a decisive impact if called upon.