On the eve of the trip to Peru to start the cup dream and get through Phase 2 against Alianza Lima this Tuesday, Fernando Gago made official the list of Boca players called up for the match with several new features. Casualties, surprises and an unexpected injury to Ignacio Miramón that changed the plans.
But again, as throughout 2025, the one who was conspicuous by his absence and was not chosen by Pintita for the most important Xeneize match so far is a name that had a lot of experience last year: Cristian Lema.
Is it because of a physical issue? That was speculated at first. Because of course, we must remember that Lema suffered a severe ligament injury in his left ankle in October 2024 that made him go through surgery and even miss the rest of the season. However, the reality is that he was able to complete the preseason with the group and, despite some setbacks before the debut in the Argentine Cup, he has already left that problem behind and is now available to Gago, so his absence from the squad for the six official matches that Boca has played is strictly explained by a football decision by the coach.
A practically undisputed starter with Diego Martínez and then with continuity under Gago until his accidental injury, Lema’s situation changed 180º in the beginning of the year. The reasons that led him to that place are several: the new reinforcements that completed the squad, the rising level of Lautaro Di Lollo and of course, that for now he does not meet Pintita’s expectations to even have a place on the bench.
Mariano Soso, with strength at Newell’s to continue after the defeat in the classic
This defeat, in addition to extending the terrible streak of 17 years without winning at home against their bitter rival, sank the Lepra in the table of Zone A of the Apertura Tournament. Despite being 13th, having lost five of the six games and the fans being very unhappy with the team’s performance, Mariano Soso showed strength to continue as coach of the club.
“I have strength and conviction to continue,” said the coach in a press conference. The truth is that, despite his desire, the public has a negative opinion of him, very difficult to reverse. In addition, it is rumored that the leadership of the Lepra had contacts with Julio César Falcioni, who could be his replacement in the case of not continuing in the position.
The numbers speak for themselves. Since taking over in December 2024, Newell’s has lost six games, won two and tied the remaining one. He knows that his stay in office hangs by a thread and left the door open to a possible exit: “The club will have an assessment of my work, and they will clearly look for the healthiest.” And he added, regarding the feelings of the leprous people: “It is a pain for us and for the fans that will be very difficult to anesthetize.”
Lisandro Martínez was successfully operated on after his serious injury
Last Sunday, February 2, in Manchester United’s 2-0 defeat against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford, Lisandro Martínez suffered a serious injury. The Argentine National Team defender stepped wrong while trying to recover a ball, fell to the ground and immediately asked to be substituted. With a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, this Saturday he successfully overcame the operation and left a message on social media. “Today, after having gone through several stormy days where I allowed myself to feel and accept my sadness, helplessness, insecurities, fears and a great emotional imbalance, I reconnect with my essence and my values that help me see things from a kinder and more positive place,” he began on his Instagram account, saying that he will be recovering for between six and eight months.
Lisandro will also be a tough loss for the Argentine National Team, which is left without an important replacement in the back line. At United he is an important player and has known how to appear in difficult moments, or even earn the starting position.
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