River faces nine absences for their Copa Argentina debut

This Wednesday, River Plate will make their debut in the Copa Argentina facing the modest Ciudad Bolívar, but Marcelo Gallardo will have to tackle a real challenge due to numerous absences in his squad. With a total of nine confirmed absences, most of them key players, the Millonario will present an alternative lineup.

Firstly, the team is affected by call-ups for the South American World Cup Qualifiers. Germán Pezzella (Argentina), Paulo Díaz (Chile), and Kevin Castaño (Colombia) are the players who will not be available due to their international commitments. Added to these is Gonzalo Montiel, who, after an injury, was ruled out of the Argentine national team call-up.

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In addition to the absences due to call-ups, there are several due to injuries, further complicating Gallardo's plans. Lucas Martínez Quarta, Matías Rojas, Giuliano Galoppo, Sebastián Driussi, and Facundo Colidio will also be sidelined due to various physical ailments, leaving the coach with a depleted squad and the need to adjust his strategy.

In this context, relegated players like Leandro González Pírez and Federico Gattoni could return to the starting lineup, while youngsters like Ian Subiabre, Santiago Lencina, and Ulises Giménez could gain valuable minutes.

The possible River lineup to face Ciudad Bolívar next Wednesday would feature Jeremías Ledesma in goal; Fabricio Bustos, Leandro González Pírez, Federico Gattoni, and Marcos Acuña in defense; Matías Kranevitter and Rodrigo Aliendro as holding midfielders; Gonzalo "Pity" Martínez, Franco Mastantuono, and Ian Subiabre as attacking midfielders; with the Colombian Miguel Borja as the lone forward.