Forward Ignacio Maestro Puch, a regular substitute in the attack of Independiente, will be out of action for several weeks due to a tear in the adductor. This absence will affect the team's upcoming matches as he will miss the games against River and Vélez, and it is likely that he will also be unavailable for the match against Platense on February 17.
Although an official medical report with details about the injury has not yet been issued, the coaching staff of the team aims to have him recovered for the seventh round, when Independiente hosts Instituto on February 22. Maestro Puch participated in the last two matches of the "Rojo" in this tournament, coming on in the second half against Talleres and Gimnasia and being crucial on both occasions.
The Tucumán forward renewed his contract with Independiente in the last transfer window and will be permanently acquired at the end of his loan. Despite Vaccari seeming to have solidified his starting attack with Gabriel Ávalos as a reference and Lautaro Millán and Diego Tarzia as wingers, offensive substitutes like Maestro Puch play an important role in the team.
Maestro Puch's absence will be sensitive for Independiente, especially in the match against River, one of the most challenging rivals, as the team attempts to maintain its ideal score in the tournament.
