Boca Juniors is gearing up for their Copa Libertadores Phase 2 debut against Alianza Lima, but they're facing a tough situation with several key players sidelined. Fernando Gago will have to reshuffle his squad to compensate for these absences, making their quest to reach the group stage even more challenging.

Cavani, the Biggest Absence

The most significant loss is Edinson Cavani, who is dealing with a post-traumatic bone edema and a fracture in the transverse process of his L3 vertebra. The Uruguayan striker, struggling with lower back pain, is ruled out for the first leg in Peru and hopes to recover in time for the return match at La Bombonera. Tomás Belmonte is also out after suffering a calf muscle tear, keeping him sidelined for at least three weeks.

More Key Players Missing for Gago

Adding to the list, Sergio Romero and Nicolás Figal are still recovering from surgeries, while Ander Herrera remains out with a hamstring injury. Marcos Rojo is also struggling with an Achilles tendon issue that has limited his playtime early in the season.

On top of that, Luis Advíncula will miss the match due to suspension, meaning he won’t get to play in his home country. With so many key absences, Gago will have to make some major adjustments to his starting XI against an Alianza Lima side that comes into the match fired up after knocking out Nacional de Paraguay. The big question is how Boca will handle this adversity at the start of their Libertadores campaign.