Boca Juniors hit by injuries before Copa Sudamericana tie in Chile

Boca Juniors are set to travel to Chile for the second leg of their Copa Sudamericana round‑of‑16 tie against O'Higgins, holding a 1‑0 advantage from the first match in Buenos Aires.

Midfielder Carlos Palacios suffered a muscle overload during Tuesday's training session, prompting the coaching staff to leave him out of the traveling squad to Rancagua. The Chilean player has missed over 28 games this year due to previous surgeries on chronic synovitis and a meniscus tear.

Goalkeeper Álvaro Montero also reported physical discomfort after Boca's recent 3‑0 defeat to Deportivo Riestra. He will undergo medical examinations in the coming hours, and his fitness for Thursday's decisive encounter remains in doubt.

Coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena, who took responsibility for the previous loss, now faces selection decisions ahead of the crucial match, emphasizing that the team must focus on preparing for O'Higgins.