River midfielder Ignacio Fernández underwent medical examinations after being unable to participate in the match against Atlético Mineiro in the semifinals of the Copa Libertadores due to an injury. The tests revealed that the player suffered a strain in his left rectus femoris as a result of a blow received during the last training session before the match at the Estadio Monumental.
The injury will keep Fernández off the field for at least 10 days, preventing him from playing in important commitments for River in their quest to accumulate points to secure a place in the next edition of the Copa Libertadores. Key matches he will miss include clashes against Banfield, Instituto, and Barracas Central in the framework of the Liga Profesional de Fútbol.
In Fernández's absence, River's head coach Marcelo Gallardo had to look for alternatives in midfield. In the match against Atlético Mineiro, Maximiliano Meza filled his role, but 'El Muñeco' could also opt for Manuel Lanzini, Claudio Echeverri, or Gonzalo Martínez in the team's upcoming commitments. Fernández's absence represents a challenge for River at a crucial stage of the season.
