River Plate Faces Right-Back Crisis Ahead of Copa Sudamericana Clash

River Plate initially registered a robust squad of 50 players for the Copa Sudamericana group stage, a move designed to safeguard against potential disruptions from injuries, suspensions, or other unforeseen circumstances. This strategy was partly a response to an unusual past event where midfielder Enzo Pérez was forced to play as goalkeeper during a match against Independiente Santa Fe in May 2021, due to widespread COVID-19 infections.

However, five years and three months later, River finds itself facing a critical shortage at the right-back position, ironically against the same Colombian opponent. Gonzalo Montiel was substituted just five minutes into the second half of a recent match against Argentinos Juniors due to a left adductor strain. This injury leaves coach Eduardo Coudet with a significant defensive dilemma as River prepares to play at an altitude of 2,553 meters in Bogotá.

Coudet, having secured his first three points in the Torneo Clausura, is aware that his team's performance in both domestic and international competitions is crucial for his tenure. Despite having some leeway in the domestic calendar, the upcoming Copa Sudamericana knockout match presents an immediate challenge. The five changes allowed in the Sudamericana roster are proving insufficient to field an experienced backline.

The team is set to field an unprecedented defensive line. In addition to Montiel's absence, Marcos Acuña is also confirmed to be unavailable due to a right hamstring tear sustained on July 29. Natural candidates for the fullback positions include Giovanni González, a low-cost acquisition, and Francisco Ortega, who has featured in recent matches. However, neither player was included in the permitted roster modifications by CONMEBOL. The limited roster slots were allocated to players like Nicolás Otamendi, Ángel Correa, Thiago Almada, Rafael Borré, and Tobías Andrada, leaving key fullbacks out.