Boca's forward, Miguel Merentiel, suffered a muscle strain in the soleus during practice this Wednesday at the Ezeiza training ground, putting his participation in the upcoming match against Vélez in the semifinals of the Argentine Cup in doubt. The team's coach, Fernando Gago, took advantage of the break due to the FIFA double date to conduct a mini preseason and prepare the squad for the remainder of the season, where qualification for the 2025 Copa Libertadores is at stake.
After the necessary examinations, the diagnosis of a muscle strain in the soleus was confirmed for the Uruguayan forward due to the physical demands during training. Merentiel, who had previously suffered a strain in the adductor, was able to return to the starting lineup last Sunday in the match against Sarmiento in the Professional Football League, scoring a goal in the second half.
The estimated recovery time for a muscle strain is 21 days, depending on its severity, which could mean that the 28-year-old player would miss the match against Vélez next Wednesday, November 27, in the semifinals of the Argentine Cup. However, Boca will do everything possible to ensure that Merentiel can be present and contribute to the team's objective of securing a place in the next edition of the Copa Libertadores, although Gago considers the player a key piece in the team's scheme and will wait until the last moment to confirm his availability.
