A year has begun, and the club starts to map out the next steps without its most successful defensive anchor. With 2023 on the horizon, the focus shifts to ambitious targets and the work ahead. The team’s mindset is clear: even before confirming a new coach, plans for the season’s early rounds are already taking shape as part of the preseason agenda.
DATE AND PLACE
The River Plate preseason unfolds in two phases. From December 12 to 22, the squad trains in Potrero de los Funes, in the San Luis province. After Christmas, between December 26 and 30, activities shift to the AFA facility in Ezeiza, and once the new year arrives, the group reconvenes at River Camp. The next day, they depart for Orlando, where the stay continues through January 18.
This trip marks not only a return to a familiar venue but also a continuation of a practice the club has used before, having visited southeastern Florida in 2016 and 2018. A brief detour occurred in 2022 due to rising COVID-19 cases, with the squad staying in Neuquén instead.
FRIENDLY
The first tune-up match of the preseason took place in San Luis, aligning with the new coaching regime of Martín Demichelis, though the result remained a 0–0 draw with Unión La Calera followed by a penalty shootout defeat. The match, held on Thursday, December 22 at Parque La Pedrera, also saw a serious injury to Matías Kranevitter on his return.
January brings a busy slate of friendlies, all scheduled in the United States. The calendar opens with a clash against Monterrey in Austin (kickoff at 11 p.m. Argentina time), then moves to a game against a major rival in Miami on the 14th (9:30 p.m. Argentina time), and finally a meeting with Vasco da Gama in Orlando on the 17th (9:30 p.m. Argentina time).
NAMED
River Plate’s 2023 season begins with two notable returns: Franco Armani and Nicolas De La Cruz rejoin the team after World Cup duty with their national teams. Armani arrived home on December 19 and enjoyed a brief vacation, while De La Cruz’s World Cup campaign concluded early, with the Uruguayan returning to training soon after.
Among departures, Juan Fernando Quintero is not renewing his contract, and Matías Kranevitter will be out for several months after an ankle operation late last year. At the moment, the only addition beyond the core squad is Ignacio Fernández back in the fold, along with Tomas Castro Ponce returning from loan at Godoy Cruz.
On the youth side, Martín Demichelis shifted focus to several emerging talents: Lucas Lavagnino in goal, Frank Alphonse in the midfield, and Colombian striker Flabian Londono Bedoya up front. If Ulises Giménez secures a visa, he will also travel. The squad that heads to Orlando totals 32 players, spanning the usual lineup from defense to attack and the midfield engine room.
The travel roster includes:
SEROUS PLAYERS: Franco Armani, Ezequiel Centurion, Franco Petroli, Lucas Lavagnino.
DEFENDERS: Robert Rojas, Andrés Herrera, Elías López, Emanuel Mammana, Paulo Díaz, Jonatan Maidana, David Martínez, Leandro González Pirez, Milton Casco, Elías Gómez, Ulises Giménez (subject to visa).
MIDFIELDERS: Enzo Pérez, Nicolas De La Cruz, Bruno Zuculini, Agustin Palavecino, Rodrigo Aliendro, Santiago Simón, Ignacio Fernández, Esequiel Barco, Jose Paradela, Felipe Pena Biafore, Franco Alfonso, Tomas Castro Ponce.
FORWARDS: Miguel Ángel Borja, Matías Suárez, Lucas Beltrán, Pablo Solari, Flabian Londono Bedoya.
Which post did you like the most?
Real Betty
São Paulo
Cremonese
Ajax
Burnley
8508 votes
Thanks for voting
The results will appear shortly.
Which post did you like the most?
49% Real Betty
12% São Paulo
5% Cremonese
26% Ajax
7% Burnley
8508 votes
Source: Goal