Boca Juniors vs. Benfica, a much-awaited match. Boca Juniors starts their FIFA Club World Cup match opener against Benfica however their fans will have to watch the game without Edinson Cavani, who is absent from the field.
The situation can be understood through the following points:
- Cavani suffers from a persistent calf injury.
Cavani has had calf problems since mid-April which have affected his training and playing shape. Reuters reported that his calf injury occurred during the April 19 match against Estudiantes, followed by his brief return on May 19 against Independiente before he suffered another setback that extended his recovery time.
- Fitness Not Match-Ready
The 38-year-old forward has started light training activities but still needs to build up his match readiness. The coaching staff under Miguel Ángel Russo evaluates Cavani’s condition as “day by day” while keeping a close eye on his recovery but decides not to start him in today’s game - The club made a deliberate decision to keep Cavani out of the lineup to prevent another injury. Boca Juniors has decided to keep Cavani out of the match to prevent another injury. The team plans to have Cavani ready for their upcoming Bayern Munich match, which promises to be more challenging.
Current Outlook
The injury occurred during the match against Estudiantes on April 19.
Brief Return: May 19 vs. Independiente
The player remains in day-to-day recovery but has not reached match fitness for today.
Next Target: Group match against Bayern Munich later this week
Who’s Leading the Attack?
Boca Juniors will depend on Uruguayan forward Miguel Merentiel to lead their attack in place of Cavani. The team has adapted by deploying Carlos Palacios as a creative playmaker who operates behind the Uruguayan forward to protect the attacking threat even without their main striker
Coach Russo’s Approach
Miguel Ángel Russo takes a careful approach to manage the situation. The coach decided to protect Cavani from potential injury in today’s Boca Juniors vs. Benfica match because he wants the player to be fully ready for the upcoming group matches.
Conclusion
The player remains out of competition because of his ongoing calf injury.
He remains in a recovery period without achieving match readiness.
Boca’s coaching staff protects his status for the Bayern Munich match while aiming to maximize his contribution in the tournament’s later stages.
Match Summary: Boca Juniors 2-2 Benfica
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