Boca llega a Avellaneda con una baja de peso y un lateral en el foco

Laweather in Avellaneda is relentless, and Boca arrives at Independiente's court with a significant absence. Lautaro Blanco will not play. The left-back accumulated 2024 minutes during the semester, played all 24 matches and started 23. The physical discomfort that appeared in the last game, against a Brazilian opponent, ended any doubt: the coaching staff decided to preserve him.

A regular who contributed in attack

Blanco was not merely a defensive piece. He completed the ninety minutes in Brazil and provided the assist for Lautaro Di Lollo's goal. He also has seven assists in the current tournament, showing that his role goes well beyond marking opponents. In everyday terms, he was one of those players who always had something to contribute, from the first pass to the final attack.

The decision is understandable given the workload, but it also exposes the challenge awaiting Boca. The team has the visit to Independiente in Avellaneda, then the clásico against River and the fight in the Clausura 2026 standings. It is a demanding sequence, with no room for a player to be forced before his body responds.

• Malcom Braida is the main option to replace Lautaro Blanco.
• Matías Satas and Ayrton Costa are also under consideration.
• Blanco played 24 matches in the semester and started 23.
• The left-back accumulated 2024 of the 2190 available minutes.
• He recorded seven assists in the current tournament.
• Boca will play Independiente in Avellaneda before facing River in the clásico.

Braida has the first option to take over. Satas, the youngster, and Ayrton Costa remain alternatives, although the inclination points toward the first name on the list. The question is not only whether Braida can do it on Sunday, but whether he can do it in a match that tends to become a war of nerves, as derbies usually do.

“Boca will have to make do without Blanco, but the team cannot use his absence as an excuse. The visit to Avellaneda is demanding enough by itself. We will see what happens when the ball starts rolling.”Rodrigo Mansilla, Deportes