A few hours before Boca's debut in the Copa Libertadores, the team faces a complication. Center back Ayrton Costa, who recently joined the squad and stood out as a revelation, has suffered an injury that rules him out for the match against Alianza Lima. This situation forces adjustments to the formation that had been planned by Fernando Gago.
The left-back, who was being evaluated until the last moment to determine his participation, was ultimately ruled out for the first match of the second round of the tournament. Costa will undergo tests to determine the severity of his injury. With this absence, Boca's coach will have to reorganize his tactical scheme, which originally included Costa and Lautaro Di Lollo as the central pairing, and Rodrigo Battaglia in midfield.
In light of Costa's absence, one of the options being considered is to drop Battaglia back to defense and add another midfielder to reinforce the center of the field. This forced restructuring adds to the previous difficulties Boca faced due to injuries to several players, as well as the suspension of another.
The Argentine team is in the midst of a crucial phase in the Copa Libertadores and seeks to secure a place in the group stage. To achieve this, they must overcome Alianza Lima in this series and then face the winner between Deportes Iquique from Chile and Independiente Santa Fe from Colombia.
With the constant absences Boca has suffered, including the confirmed one of Costa, the team's planning is affected and generates uncertainty regarding the starting lineup. Gago is betting on a competitive team, but the circumstances could influence the team's performance in a tournament that has traditionally been a priority for the club.
The probable lineup of Boca, following Ayrton Costa's absence, could be: Agustín Marchesín; Juan Barinaga, Lautaro Di Lollo, Rodrigo Battaglia, Marcelo Saracchi; Camilo Rey Domenech, Williams Alarcón; Carlos Palacios, Alan Velasco; Kevin Zenón, Exequiel Zeballoso, Milton Giménez, and Miguel Merentiel.
