Paredes Set for Bench Return Against Lanús
Boca Juniors captain Leandro Paredes will return to the matchday squad for Friday’s fixture against Lanús at La Bombonera.
The decision comes as Boca prepares for the seventh round of the Torneo Clausura 2026. Paredes missed previous matches—including a Copa Sudamericana away fixture against Recoleta in Paraguay and a domestic clash against Racing—after suffering an inflammation in his left hamstring during a 1-1 draw with Platense. Medical staff traced the muscular strain to a heavy workload carried over from international duty at the World Cup and the demanding start of the domestic calendar.
Rehabilitation at Boca Predio and the Córdoba Target
Arruabarrena intends to use the midfielder sparingly during the second half against Lanús if match conditions require it.
The primary objective is ensuring the captain reaches peak physical condition for a decisive Copa Argentina round-of-16 tie against Vélez, scheduled for September 2, 2026, at the Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes in Córdoba.
A Compressed September Schedule
The coaching staff faces a compressed schedule entering September. Exactly one week after the knockout clash in Córdoba, Boca will host São Paulo at La Bombonera for the opening leg of the Copa Sudamericana quarterfinals.
Defensive Boosts and Fresh Injury Blows
In addition to Paredes, Boca will recover Leandro Lozano and Lautaro Di Lollo for the weekend encounter. Both players finished the match against Platense with physical complaints but have cleared protocol to return to the squad and are projected to feature in the starting lineup against Lanús.
Defensive depth remains a challenge for Arruabarrena as the fixture list intensifies. Center-back Ayrton Costa suffered a muscle tear during the match against Racing, joining long-term absentee Marco Pellegrino on the sidelines. Facundo Herrera replaced Costa during the second half in Avellaneda, while Matías Satas, a left-footed central defender from the club’s reserve division, is under consideration for a call-up against the Granate.
Midfielder Milton Delgado also picked up a contracture during the Racing fixture, prompting his substitution for Tomás Belmonte. Although medical evaluations ruled out a structural tear, Delgado will sit out Friday’s match alongside Paredes as management prioritizes recovery ahead of the Copa Argentina appointment.
Kickoff Approaching at La Bombonera
Boca will host Lanús on Friday at La Bombonera for the seventh round of the Torneo Clausura. Subsequent updates regarding tactical formations and official roster confirmations are expected closer to kickoff.
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