Gonzalo Montiel, a world champion with Argentina, could miss River Plate's match against Gimnasia due to a knee injury. The defender will be assessed during Friday's practice to determine his availability for the weekend fixture in the Torneo Clausura. The game is crucial for the team's prospects of qualifying for the 2026 Copa Libertadores.
River Plate is dealing with an alert in its squad ahead of the clash with Gimnasia in the Torneo Clausura. Gonzalo Montiel, who was part of the Argentine team that won the 2022 Qatar World Cup, suffered a knee injury that casts doubt on his availability for the weekend match. Reports indicate the right-back will undergo physical tests during Friday's final practice to assess his condition and decide if he can face El Lobo.
The match's context adds pressure to Marcelo Gallardo's team. Following the recent loss to Independiente Rivadavia in the Copa Argentina, which eliminated River from the competition and removed a direct path to the Libertadores, the Millonario is now focusing on the Anual Table and the Torneo Clausura. Currently, River sits second in the Anual with 52 points and a +20 goal difference, closely followed by Argentinos Juniors (51 points, +20), Deportivo Riestra (51, +15), and Boca Juniors (50, +22, with one game in hand).
The immediate schedule includes the home game against Gimnasia, followed by away trips to Boca on November 9 and Vélez. Winning these three matches would secure qualification for the 2026 Copa Libertadores without relying on other results, particularly if they triumph in the Superclásico at La Bombonera. Other scenarios, such as rivals' performances in the Copa Argentina or Clausura, could free up additional spots, but victory over Gimnasia is essential to hold their table position.