The elimination of Boca in the Apertura Tournament against Huracán left more than just a sporting blow. In addition to losing the chance to shout champion again, it received another bad news: the injury of Adam Bareiro, the severity of which was revealed in the last hours.
The Paraguayan forward had to leave the field after 22 minutes of the match against the Globo due to evident signs of pain, and it was confirmed on Monday that he suffered a muscle injury that will keep him out of the upcoming Copa Libertadores commitments. Although he tried to continue on the field after a play in the area, he could not stay on his feet and ended up leaving with difficulty, assisted by the medical staff. "Something let go", he managed to say amidst the pain, after lying down and being unable to get back up normally.
Just over a day later, the club reported that Bareiro has a right adductor injury, although they did not specify the recovery time. However, various indications point to a more complex situation, with reports suggesting tears also in the abdominal area, which could require at least three weeks of rehabilitation.
Thus, the forward is ruled out for the match against Cruzeiro and Universidad Católica in the Copa Libertadores. This absence poses a problem for coach Claudio Úbeda, who loses a key player in recent months. In this scenario, the natural replacement is Milton Giménez, who came on in his place against Huracán and appears as the main alternative to fill the center forward position in the upcoming matches. Offensive variations are also being considered that include Miguel Merentiel more centrally and the inclusion of Exequiel Zeballos as a companion.
Meanwhile, his injury also impacts the Paraguayan national team, as his good form at Boca had put him in the preliminary consideration of Gustavo Alfaro for a future call-up to the World Cup. The player himself had expressed his hopes weeks ago: "I have expectations of a call-up for the World Cup. I spoke with the coaching staff and I work day by day to make the list".
Bareiro's numbers at Boca
Since his arrival at Xeneize in February of this year, the Paraguayan has played 979 minutes, spread over 14 matches, in which he scored 6 goals, provided one assist, and received 5 yellow cards and one red for a second yellow card.
