Gallardo to stick with River XI or rotate vs San Martín de San Juan | OneFootball

Despite the team playing three matches in just seven days, the Muñeco is reassured that, after Sunday's match, they will enjoy two weeks of rest to prepare for the clash against Estudiantes and the crucial Copa Libertadores duel against Palmeiras.

The demanding schedule gives River Plate no respite. After playing three matches in seven days and securing qualification to the quarterfinals of the Copa Argentina, Marcelo Gallardo's team plans to rotate the squad to face San Martín de San Juan this Sunday in the Torneo Clausura.

With just one day of prior training, the Muñeco will prioritize the rest of his most experienced players. Enzo Pérez and Ignacio Fernández are not expected to play, nor is Giuliano Galoppo, who has started three consecutive matches. Fullbacks Gonzalo Montiel and Marcos Acuña will also rest as they join the Argentine National Team next week.

The good news for Gallardo is the possible return of Fabricio Bustos, who has recovered from the muscle injury suffered against Godoy Cruz. The fullback could replace Montiel. In central defense, Lautaro Rivero is likely to start, but it remains to be decided whether he will be joined by Paulo Díaz —now physically recovered— or Lucas Martínez Quarta.

In the midfield, the rotation will open up opportunities for Matías Galarza, Kevin Castaño, or Juan Cruz Meza, while Juan Carlos Portillo might have his chance after performing well as a defender. In attack, Juan Fernando Quintero is shaping up to be one of the main options.

The forward line will also see changes. Sebastián Driussi and Maximiliano Salas might rest due to significant physical exertion, leading Gallardo to once again rely on Facundo Colidio and Miguel Borja, a duo that worked well in the last match.

With the final stretch of the championship and the Copa Libertadores tie against Palmeiras on the horizon, the coaching staff aims to avoid fatigue that could take a toll. So far in the Clausura, the Muñeco had only been able to rotate against Godoy Cruz, two matches ago.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.