Buenos Aires – River Plate will be without key left-back Marcos Acuña for Sunday’s crucial Torneo Apertura match against Vélez at the Estadio José Amalfitani. The decision, confirmed Saturday, stems from a bout of illness that has limited Acuña’s training this week, prompting manager Marcelo Gallardo to prioritize the player’s long-term fitness.
The news comes amid a positive update for Los Millonarios, with both Sebastián Driussi and Franco Armani declared fit to return to the squad after recovering from respective injuries. Both players are likely candidates to feature against Guillermo Barros Schelotto’s Vélez, offering a significant boost to River’s attacking and goalkeeping options.
Acuña, a regular starter for River Plate, also missed the recent Copa Argentina match against Ciudad de Bolívar due to the illness. While he briefly returned to training on Thursday, the coaching staff ultimately decided against including him in the squad for the Vélez encounter. According to reports, the decision was made to avoid risking a potential injury given Acuña’s limited training load following a feverish illness and a prior foot issue during the pre-season.
The club is taking a cautious approach with the 2022 World Cup winner, mindful of his recent history with a foot problem that impacted his pre-season preparations. This careful management aims to prevent any setbacks and ensure Acuña remains available for future matches.
In Acuña’s absence, Matías Viña is expected to fill the left-back position. Viña has struggled to consistently replicate his best form since joining River Plate from Flamengo, and will be looking to make a significant impact against Vélez. The Uruguayan international’s recent lack of consistent playing time at Flamengo is believed to be contributing to his current form, and Gallardo will be hoping he can quickly adapt and contribute to the team’s performance.
Gallardo Weighs Goalkeeping Options
The return of Franco Armani presents Gallardo with a demanding decision in goal. Armani hasn’t featured for River Plate since November 24, 2025, in a 3-2 defeat to Racing. His recovery from a torn muscle and subsequent inflammation in his Achilles tendon has been closely monitored. The question now is whether to reinstate the experienced goalkeeper immediately or continue with Santiago Beltrán, who has performed admirably in Armani’s absence.
Beltrán has shown promise in his initial appearances for River Plate, demonstrating composure and personality despite the team’s recent struggles. Gallardo will need to weigh the benefits of experience with Armani against the momentum Beltrán has built in recent matches. The decision will likely come down to a final assessment of Armani’s fitness and readiness to return to competitive action.
Driussi Back to Bolster Attack
Driussi’s return from a hamstring injury is also a welcome boost for River Plate. He suffered the injury during the third matchday of the Torneo Apertura against Rosario Central. The forward’s availability provides Gallardo with another attacking option as River Plate seeks to address a recent drought in front of goal. The team has struggled to locate the back of the net consistently, and Driussi’s presence could be crucial in unlocking opposing defenses.
Vélez Awaits a Challenged River Plate
River Plate enters the match against Vélez following consecutive defeats in the Torneo Apertura, raising concerns about their form. The team’s struggles have been compounded by a lack of goals, placing added pressure on the attacking players to deliver. Vélez, meanwhile, has enjoyed a strong start to the season and will present a formidable challenge for Gallardo’s side.
The match at the Estadio José Amalfitani is seen as a pivotal moment for River Plate. A victory would provide a much-needed boost in confidence and help the team regain momentum in the league standings. Still, a defeat could further exacerbate their struggles and increase the pressure on Gallardo and his players.
The absence of Marcos Acuña adds another layer of complexity to the situation, but the return of Driussi and the potential inclusion of Armani offer reasons for optimism. Gallardo will be hoping his team can overcome these challenges and secure a positive result against a tough Vélez side.
River Plate will need to find a way to rediscover their attacking spark and tighten up defensively if they are to succeed. The match against Vélez promises to be a captivating encounter, with both teams eager to claim all three points.
Following Sunday’s match against Vélez, River Plate will return to training to prepare for their next fixture. The team will be looking to build on any positive momentum gained from the Vélez encounter and continue their pursuit of a strong finish in the Torneo Apertura.
