Buenos Aires, November 24 (NA) – Racing will host River at the Cilindro de Avellaneda this Monday for the round of 16 of the Clausura Tournament, and they will do so with a central novelty in their formation: the presence of Santiago Sosa from the start.
According to the Argentine News Agency, coach Gustavo Costas has decided to include the midfielder from the kickoff in a match that will begin at 19:15. His return comes at a great moment, as Racing has lost only two of its last 15 matches, one of which was just against River in the Copa Argentina.
Regarding the team that will face the 'Millionario', Juan Nardoni will return to the starting lineup in place of Bruno Zuculini, while there is still anticipation for the evolution of Duván Vergara, who is dealing with a strong blow to his right ankle, and who, if not at 100%, Tomás Conechny appears as the main alternative.
The other side is the last-minute absence of Facundo Mura, who was ruled out due to a muscle overload. Gastón Martirena will be the one to occupy the right-back position, completing a defense that will seek to contain a River that needs to advance in the playoffs to keep the dream of qualifying for the Copa Libertadores alive.
Racing's probable formation: Facundo Cambeses; Gastón Martirena, Nazareno Colombo, Agustín García Basso, Gabriel Rojas; Juan Nardoni, Santiago Sosa, Agustín Almendra; Santiago Solari, Adrián Martínez and Tomás Conechny (or Duván Vergara).
The winner of this duel will face the winner of the Lanús – recent Copa Sudamericana champion – vs. Tigre match.
Sosa received medical clearance after recovering from a fracture to the right zygomatic bone suffered from an accidental blow from Marcos Rojo in the first leg of the semifinal against Flamengo in the Copa Libertadores. Although he will have to play with a protective mask, the technical staff considers him fundamental for his tactical contribution and leadership in the midfield.
