Boca Juniors Set for Copa Libertadores Debut: Recovery Plans and Unusual Roster Decisions

Boca Juniors is finalizing the logistics for its return to the Copa Libertadores 2026, preparing for a high-stakes debut against Universidad Católica in Santiago, Chile. Even as head coach Claudio Úbeda has nearly locked in his starting eleven, the traveling delegation contains several names that will not see a minute of action on the pitch—some for medical reasons and one for reasons that have raised eyebrows across the club.

The decision to include non-playing personnel in the trip to Chile reflects a specific strategy by the technical staff to balance immediate competitive needs with long-term player rehabilitation. For a global fanbase, seeing injured players or those out of favor travel for a continental clash can seem counterintuitive, but within Úbeda’s camp, It’s a calculated move for fitness and team cohesion.

The ‘Particular Case’: A Year on the Sidelines

Among the most surprising inclusions in the squad traveling to Chile is a player described as a “particular case.” According to reports, this individual has not played for Boca Juniors in over a year and is not currently considered part of Úbeda’s tactical plans for the match. Despite this lack of sporting utility for the debut, the player will still be part of the official delegation in Santiago.

This decision stands in stark contrast to the typical roster trimming seen before major international trips, where space is usually reserved for those capable of contributing to the matchday squad. The inclusion of a player so long removed from competition suggests a non-sporting or administrative reason for the travel, adding a layer of intrigue to the team’s preparations.

Strategic Recovery: Marchesín and Zeballos

While the aforementioned case is an anomaly, the inclusion of Agustín Marchesín and Exequiel Zeballos is rooted in medical planning. Both players are currently recovering from muscle injuries and are ineligible to play against Universidad Católica, yet they are traveling to Chile to maintain their proximity to the group.

The primary objective is to allow these players to continue their rehabilitation work in Chile. The technical staff intends for them to train on Chilean soil the day after the match, ensuring they do not lose momentum in their “puesta a punto” (fine-tuning) process as they work toward a return to official competition.

The recovery timelines for the two differ significantly:

• Exequiel Zeballos: The winger has been sidelined for two months following a tear in his left biceps femoral (hamstring). While he has already logged some minutes playing with the youth teams, he is not yet ready for the intensity of a Copa Libertadores fixture.
• Agustín Marchesín: The goalkeeper is dealing with a more complex injury. His return is expected to take longer than Zeballos’, with his availability depending entirely on his continued evolution in the coming weeks.

Ya pasaron dos meses desde que Exequiel Zeballos sufrió el desgarro en su bíceps femoral izquierdo y todavía no está listo para volver. El Changuito será parte de la delegación de Boca que viajará a Chile para el debut en la Copa Libertadores, pero no para jugar. se espera que tras el partido ante Universidad Católica se sume definitivamente al grupo …

— TyC Sports via X

The Absentee List: Cavani and Palacios

Not every recovering player is making the trip. Boca is closely monitoring other key figures who remain in Argentina to focus on their health. Most notably, Edinson Cavani and Carlos Palacios have not yet returned to full training with the group.

The priority for the medical staff is ensuring these high-impact players reach optimal condition for the dense schedule of upcoming matches. Unlike Marchesín and Zeballos, whose recovery has progressed to a stage where training with the group in Chile is beneficial, Cavani and Palacios are still in earlier stages of their respective returns.

Looking Toward June: Riquelme’s Reinforcements

While the immediate focus is on the debut in Santiago, the club’s leadership is already eyeing the mid-year window. Juan Román Riquelme is reportedly targeting reinforcements for June to bolster the squad’s quest to conquer the 2026 Copa Libertadores.

Among the names linked to a potential return or arrival is Nández, as the club seeks to add depth and quality to the roster to sustain a deep run in the tournament. This focus on future acquisitions highlights the club’s ambition to move past the challenges of the last few seasons and return to the pinnacle of South American football.

For context, Boca returns to the group stages of the Libertadores after a three-year hiatus from the debut phase, making this match against Universidad Católica more than just a game—it is a statement of intent for the current era under Claudio Úbeda.

Key Takeaways for the Chile Trip

Boca Juniors now faces a critical test in Chile. With the squad list finalized and the recovery plan in motion, the focus shifts entirely to the pitch for the opening clash of the campaign.

Next Checkpoint: Boca Juniors vs. Universidad Católica (Copa Libertadores 2026 Debut).