It’s been a tough week for Boca Juniors. Ahead of the Superclásico against River Plate, the club confirmed that Edinson Cavani has suffered a calf muscle injury and will not be part of the squad traveling to the Monumental stadium this Sunday, April 27, for Matchday 15 of the Torneo Apertura 2025.

The Uruguayan striker will miss one of the most important matches of the season. What seemed like a minor issue turned out to be an injury that forces Fernando Gago to rethink his attack. Miguel Merentiel will lead the front line, with Exequiel Zeballos likely to accompany him on the wing.

Kevin Zenón is also out due to a hamstring overload. Although an injury was ruled out, the coaching staff chose not to take any risks. Tomás Belmonte, who was also expected to start, was sidelined temporarily due to a fever.

Another key absence is Milton Giménez, who suffered an ankle sprain against Belgrano. Although not completely ruled out, he trained separately alongside Ander Herrera, who is also dealing with physical discomfort. The Spaniard has been active in recent training sessions but is not yet 100% and will be evaluated up to the last moment. Gago sees him as a valuable asset in midfield but won’t take risks if he’s not fully fit.

Not all the news is bad. After four months, Jorge Figal returned to full training and could make the bench. Milton Delgado has recovered from a muscle strain and is available, while Marcos Rojo, a locker room leader, is also back training with the group.

In defense, Luis Advíncula is expected to remain the starting right-back, keeping Lucas Blondel on the bench. On the left, Lautaro Blanco seems to have the edge over Marcelo Saracchi, although Frank Fabra is also hoping for a chance to return.

Riquelme closely monitors the squad

The board, led by Juan Román Riquelme, is keeping a close eye on the team’s evolution. The Xeneize president maintains daily contact with Gago and the medical staff, and has been present at the Ezeiza training grounds in recent days, supporting the team’s preparations.

Boca’s possible starting XI:

Agustín Marchesín; Luis Advíncula, Rodrigo Battaglia, Marcos Rojo, Lautaro Blanco; Tomás Belmonte, Milton Delgado; Carlos Palacios; Kevin Zenón, Miguel Merentiel, and Exequiel Zeballos.

Boca comes in stronger: they lead Group A with 32 points, having won 9 of their last 10 matches. Meanwhile, River sits fourth in Group B with 25 points. In the Copa Libertadores, Boca tops their group after a 2-2 away draw against Independiente del Valle in Quito.

The Superclásico will be played this Sunday at 11:30 AM (PT) / 2:30 PM (ET) at the Monumental stadium.