Boca Juniors eyes Nicolás Valentini as Rojo replacement amid Fluminense clash looming
The central defender, the leading option to fill the vacancy left by Marcos Rojo against Fluminense, could not finish the match in Avellaneda after taking a blow. The incident added a layer of concern for Boca, who are preparing for a high-stakes duel just days away from their continental semifinals in Rio de Janeiro.
On date 10 of the Professional League Cup, Boca traveled to face Racing at President Perón. With the Maracaná decider against Fluminense only eleven days away, Jorge Almirón opted for a mixed lineup that included several seasoned players along with younger talents eager to prove their worth on this big stage.
Among the standouts, Nicolás Valentini emerged as a central figure. The tall defender is the principal candidate to step into Rojo’s boots after the captain was sent off against Palmeiras in São Paulo, leaving Boca short of a central option with experience in top-level clashes. Valentini’s performance in Avellaneda underscored his readiness to shoulder increased responsibility when called upon.
VALENTINI’S INJURY UPDATE
In a moment reminiscent of the team’s earlier worries with Darío Benedetto, Valentini absorbed a blow to his right leg in the second half and requested a substitution. Alarm bells rang about the defender’s availability for the trip to Rio, especially given the pivotal role he could play in the back line against Fluminense.
The medical evaluations conducted on the morning of Wednesday the 25th brought a note of reassurance. The club reported that Valentini had sustained a trauma rather than a serious injury, and a careful recovery plan was set in motion to ensure he could be ready for the most demanding match of the season to date. In practical terms, it means he would be managed carefully in the coming days but remains in contention for the trip to Brazil, where his presence could be decisive for Boca’s defensive organization against a disciplined Fluminense side.
Way forward for Boca hinges on how Valentini recovers and whether he can participate at the level required by a continental clash of this magnitude. The medical team will monitor his progress closely, balancing the need for quick recovery with the imperative to avoid a setback that could jeopardize the team’s chances in the marquee fixture.
Ultimately, the team’s depth will be tested. If Valentini cannot participate, Boca will rely on alternative options to fill the central defensive role, while keeping the core of their lineup intact to preserve balance and defensive solidity. The focus remains on delivering a strong performance in the away leg, with the hope that the squad can safeguard a favorable result ahead of the return game.
Source: Goal