Boca Juniors Receive Double Injury Boost Ahead of Copa Sudamericana Decider Against O’Higgins

Boca Juniors have received a timely injury boost ahead of their Copa Sudamericana playoff second leg against O’Higgins on Thursday, with attacking duo Carlos Palacios and Milton Giménez returning to full training on Monday. The pair had been listed on a club medical report last week alongside three other players, but both progressed faster than expected and are now likely to be available for the decisive match.

The recovery comes just days after Boca suffered a heavy league defeat to Riestra, a result that intensified the pressure on coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena to turn the team’s form around. The second leg in the Sudamericana offers an immediate chance to reset.

Key facts

Return to training at Boca Predio

Palacios and Giménez trained at full intensity with the rest of the squad at Boca Predio in Ezeiza on Monday, the first session after Sunday’s 4‑0 league loss to Riestra. The club’s initial medical report had listed five players with various issues, but the medical team’s assessment proved conservative for the two attackers. Arruabarrena had already downplayed the injury list after the first‑leg win over O’Higgins, saying: “Be careful with injuries because they get exaggerated. There aren’t that many injuries, just small niggles. You know how doctors are, they call everything an injury.” His comments now appear prescient.

Importance for the team

Palacios provides creativity and a goal threat from midfield or wide areas, while Giménez is Boca’s only natural centre‑forward available. With Adam Bareiro still sidelined with a lumbar problem, and the club openly searching for a No 9 in the transfer market, having Giménez back is especially critical. Arruabarrena acknowledged after the Riestra defeat that Boca is actively seeking another striker, making Giménez’s availability vital for the short term. Palacios’ return also adds depth to an attack that struggled to create chances in the weekend loss.

Context of the fixture

Boca hold a narrow advantage from the first leg in Chile, but the tie remains open. O’Higgins will arrive in Buenos Aires knowing a win could send them through. Boca’s priority will be to rebuild confidence after the league humiliation, and having two key offensive players fit gives Arruabarrena more tactical options. The match is scheduled for Thursday night at La Bombonera.

Source: Ole – “Arruabarrena recupera a dos lesionados para la revancha de Boca en la Sudamericana” (https://www.ole.com.ar/boca-juniors/boca-recupero-lesionados-milton-gimenez-carlos-palacios_0_aJ0FmE8dqp.html)