Boca Juniors confirmed on Monday via social media the severity of the injury suffered by forward Alan Velasco in the 1-0 victory over Deportivo Riestra last Sunday, in the first round of Zone A of the Apertura Tournament. According to the Argentine News Agency, the 'xeneize' team informed on social networks that the attacker, who came through Independiente's youth ranks, suffered a 'Grade 2 sprain of the left knee's medial collateral ligament'. In this way, Velasco joins a list of notable players who are absent from the La Ribera squad at the start of the local championship: Edinson Cavani (lower back pain), Milton Giménez (pubalgia, could be operated on), Merentiel (tear), Carlos Palacios, and Rodrigo Battaglia. Likewise, Ander Herrera and Lucas Janson asked to be substituted during the match against the 'Malevo', but everything seems to indicate that both will be fit to face Estudiantes de La Plata this Wednesday at 22:15. After the confirmation of the seriousness of the 23-year-old forward's physical problem, born in Quilmes, it is estimated that his recovery time will take approximately two months, so he will not be present for the first part of the year. The one likely to step up in attack to replace Velasco would be Kevin Zenón, due to the lack of a natural replacement, while Boca's director, Claudio Úbeda, awaits the arrival of Paraguayan Ángel Romero. On the other hand, if Herrera and Janson arrive in optimal conditions, it is most likely that the coach of the La Ribera team will take to the field with a similar lineup to the one that defeated Deportivo Riestra, with the exception of Velasco's presence.
