Atlético Nacional readies squad for Liga BetPlay amid injuries and new signing

Colombian side Atlético Nacional announced its roster for the second round of the 2026 Liga BetPlay, featuring returning starters such as goalkeeper Franco Armani and forward Alfredo Morelos. The team will face Jaguares de Córdoba in Montería, but will be without midfielder Elkin Rivero, who suffered a metatarsal fracture and is expected to miss six weeks. Ahead of the match, the club is also negotiating the return of former defender Andrés Felipe Reyes from MLS, a move aimed at strengthening a defensive line that has been identified as a priority.

In a separate fixture, Nacional will host Cúcuta Deportivo at the Atanasio, a game that could be decisive for the club’s push for the top of the table. The absence of a key player has been highlighted as a potential factor influencing the outcome.

Other Colombian league action includes the classic Oriente clash between Atlético Bucaramanga and Cúcuta Deportivo at the Estadio Américo Montanini, scheduled for 20:00 on Monday. Both sides seek to improve their early‑season form, with Bucaramanga’s coach Pablo Peirano emphasizing the need for a more aggressive attack.

In Mexico’s Liga de Expansión, Venados FC earned a 1‑1 draw against Cruz Azul Hidalgo at the Estadio Refundación, with goals from Sleyther Lora for Venados and Emmanuel Sánchez for Cruz Azul. The result leaves Venados with four points from their first two matches.