The midfielder injured himself during a practice session and tests confirmed that he has a meniscus tear. He will need to undergo surgery and will miss the final stretch of the year
In the midst of a decisive stretch of the season, Boca faced an unexpected setback. During this morning's practice, Tomás Belmonte suffered a knee injury, and medical tests confirmed a meniscus tear that will require the midfielder to undergo surgery.
The issue began on Wednesday, when the midfielder had a knee collision with a teammate. Although he was able to complete the practice, he ended up with the affected area swollen. The next day, he tried to train normally, but the pain prevented him from working alongside the group, and the medical staff decided to conduct tests.
The results determined the severity of the injury and the need for a surgical intervention, which is scheduled for this Friday. From there, a rehabilitation process will begin that will take several months and will keep him sidelined for the remainder of 2026. His progress will determine the exact recovery timeline until he can fully reintegrate into activity.
Belmonte will miss what remains of the year
Belmonte's absence adds to those of Agustín Marchesín (anterior cruciate ligament tear in his right knee), Tomás Aranda (fracture of the right fibula with syndesmosis involvement), and Adam Bareiro (lumbar disc herniation) and represents a headache for Rodolfo Arruabarrena due to the role he had taken on within the squad. Rodrigo Ascacíbar, Leandro Paredes, and Milton Delgado make up the starting midfield, but the former Lanús player was a regular alternative for any of those positions and served as the main backup in that area.
Since the arrival of the current coaching staff, the midfielder has played nine matches and scored one goal, in addition to being a starter on five occasions. Therefore, his absence takes away from the coach a piece he frequently used to rotate or modify the team's structure.
The timing of the injury also coincides with the return of Rodrigo Battaglia. The experienced midfielder, 35 years old, has already received medical clearance and now needs to regain match fitness before being considered again. His characteristics differ from those of Belmonte, but his presence will allow Arruabarrena to add an alternative to face the most demanding stretch of the calendar.
