The Academy marks its return in the second half of the season, with the potential debuts of Juanfer Quintero and Almendra on the horizon.
All eyes in Racing Club are on the eagerly awaited Copa Libertadores quarterfinal clash with Boca Juniors. Yet before the club can shift focus to that big duel, it must tackle an equally important mission: opening the Professional League Cup, a competition that will determine its chances of reaching continental action next year and keeping the campaign alive.
The complete guide to the Professional League Cup 2023: Zones, Fixtures and Rules
For the first matchday in Zone 1 of the National Cup that will shape the second half of the Argentine football season, Racing Club travels to Unión at the 15 de Abril Stadium this Friday, August 19, kicking off at 7:00 p.m. (local time). [Goal]
RACING VS UNION: THE WEEK AHEAD
News arriving the week before the new tournament started brought a mixed bag for Fernando Gago. Not only is there the looming Boca tie, but there is also a setback: Roger Martínez underwent tests after the injury that forced him off in the second half against Atlético Nacional. The club confirmed a right femoral biceps muscle injury, meaning the Colombian will miss Friday’s clash in Santa Fe and is unlikely to be fit for the first leg against Xeneize. Recovery and timing will determine whether he makes it back for the return. [Goal]
On the brighter side, the coach can count on Juan Fernando Quintero and Agustín Almendra for the game against Tatengue. Both players will be registered on the Libertadores list in the coming days and could feature in the series versus Boca. The only fresh absence at the moment is Nazareno Colombo, who remains several weeks from a full return after knee and ankle sprain injuries sustained in the last matchup with Defensa y Justicia. [Goal]
RACING TRAINING FOR THE UNION GAME
The April 15 clash will take place at La Bombonera, just four days before the first leg with Boca. Gago is expected to rotate and start some of the players who will take the field against Boca. Gabriel Arias, who started in a low-profile role against Atlético Nacional last Thursday, is among those who could benefit from rest, as could Gabriel Rojas, who has battled ongoing physical issues in the latter part of the season. [Goal]
Meanwhile, the match is likely to mark the debut of Uruguayan youngster Gastón Martirena. It will also be decisive to see whether Quintero and Almendra begin the game or come on as substitutes for their first minutes of the tie. The rest of the lineup remains undetermined as of now. [Goal]
RACING’S REPLACEMENTS
To confirm the final choices. [Goal]
Source: Goal