Coach Marcelo Gallardo is working on reconfiguring River Plate's team to visit Argentinos Juniors this Thursday in La Paternal, with a forced change in midfield after Fausto Vera's expulsion in the defeat against Tigre. According to information from the Argentine News Agency, Gallardo is reportedly set to have midfielder Giuliano Galoppo replace the sanctioned player, which could see him return to the starting lineup against 'The Bicho'. The loss against 'The Matador' not only brought an adverse result and a poor collective performance but also immediate consequences for the next matchday. The red card Vera received, following a dispute in the air that sparked controversy due to the lack of VAR review, will sideline him for the 'Bicho' match and forces 'Muñeco' to make adjustments in a key area. At the start of the season, Gallardo bet on a midfield duo consisting of Vera and Aníbal Moreno, two of the last transfer window's reinforcements. Both were starters in the first four rounds and performed as expected until Saturday's match, where the former Atlético Mineiro player's expulsion disrupted the plans. In this scenario, Galoppo appears as the main alternative to fill that spot. The midfielder comes from a complex end to the year, marked by a missed penalty against Independiente Rivadavia de Mendoza in the Argentine Cup and subsequent public criticism. However, the coaching staff decided to keep him on the roster for 2026 and give him continuity in the fight for a spot.
