The match marks more than just Boca’s debut in this year’s Club World Cup—it also signals the beginning of Miguel Ángel Russo’s third stint in charge of the club. Known for his experience and ability to get the best out of his squads, Russo will be looking to lead Boca deep into the tournament, starting with a strong performance against the Portuguese giants.

However, Boca will have to do it without one of their biggest stars. Veteran striker Edinson Cavani is ruled out of the opener, a major absence for the Argentine side. The 38-year-old has struggled with persistent muscle issues throughout the season, forcing him to miss several key matches. His absence raises significant questions about how Boca’s attack will shape up against elite opposition.

Why is Cavani missing against Benfica?

Cavani is still recovering from a calf injury and has not yet reached full fitness. While there were initial discussions about possibly including him on the bench, the coaching staff ultimately opted against it. The decision not to risk Cavani is focused on ensuring his availability for Boca’s second match of the group stage—an even tougher test against Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.

Another surprise in Boca’s starting lineup is the inclusion of Ayrton Costa in central defense. The former Independiente defender arrived late to the U.S. due to visa issues but is now set to partner with Nicolás Figal. Figal, who returns to official action following a long recovery from ankle surgery, is expected to bring experience and leadership to a backline that must be sharp against Benfica‘s dynamic attack.

Who leads the Boca attack without Cavani?

With Cavani unavailable, Boca will rely on Miguel Merentiel to lead the front line. The Uruguayan forward will wear the captain’s armband and be paired with Carlos Palacios, who is expected to operate in a more creative, withdrawn role just behind the striker. Head coach Miguel Ángel Russo hopes this pairing can stretch Benfica’s backline and create scoring opportunities through width and pace.

Boca Juniors confirmed lineup vs Benfica

Without Cavani and with that in mind, Boca Juniors will field the following starting lineup against Benfica: Agustin Marchesin; Luis Advincula, Nicolas Figal, Ayrton Costa, Lautaro Blanco; Ander Herrera, Rodrigo Battaglia; Kevin Zenon, Carlos Palacios, Alan Velasco; Miguel Merentiel.

Edinson Cavani is Uruguay’s second top scorer with 58 goals scored in 136 games behind Luis Suarez and is the Uruguayan player with the highest number of World Cup appearances (17).

Despite a strong squad featuring forwards like Luis Suarez and Darwin Nuñez, it’s surprising that manager Marcelo Bielsa did not call up one of Uruguay’s most iconic players.

Edinson Cavani out of quarter-final match against Brazil

Edinson Cavani will not be at the 2024 Copa America quarter-final match against Brazil because he retired from the national team on May 30th, just weeks before the tournament began.

Cavani announced his retirement from international football via social media: “There were undoubtedly many precious years, I would have a thousand things to say, tell, and remember, but today I want to dedicate myself to this new stage of my career and give everything where I have to be. Today I decide to step aside, but I will always follow you with a beating heart, as when I had to go out on the field with this beautiful shirt.”

He concluded: “Thanks to each and every one of the people who have been part of this journey for so many years. I was and will always be blessed to have put on this jersey to represent what I love most in the world, my country.”

Edinson Cavani stands out as one of the most prominent Uruguayan soccer players of the past decade. He rose through the ranks in Uruguay before swiftly transitioning to European soccer, where he consistently excelled with every team he played for. His time at Napoli, where he scored 104 goals, and PSG, where he netted 200 goals, is particularly noteworthy.

On the international stage, he was a vital part of the team that achieved a historic fourth-place finish in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. He also secured victory in the Copa America in 2011 and represented Uruguay in the 2014, 2018, and 2022 World Cups. Of particular significance was Uruguay’s performance in Brazil in 2014, as they managed to advance to the round of 16 despite being in a very challenging group.

Why Cavani was left out of the Uruguay squad?

The reasons for Cavani’s absence from the Uruguay squad for the first two Qualifiers Matchdays are akin to those of Luis Suarez. Although not explicitly stated, it appears that coach Marcelo Bielsa is aiming for a generational transition. As a result, the current Uruguay squad comprises just 5 players aged over 25 years.

“My obligation is to decide who I should call. I don’t want to argue why a player is not called,” Bielsa said, adding: “If I explain the reasons why I call or not, the question of explaining my decisions would arise.”

The Uruguayans boasted one of the most talented offensive trios in the World Cup, yet they haven’t even scored a goal thus far, settling for a 0-0 draw with South Korea before dropping a 0-2 contest to Portugal.

Ironically, Uruguay’s biggest issue has been tied to what was supposed to be its biggest strength, which is why not seeing superstar striker Edison Cavani in their Starting XI in a must-win game vs. Ghana was a bit of a surprise.

Qatar 2022: Why Isn’t Edison Cavani Playing Vs. Ghana?

Diego Alonso has decided to change his scheme ahead of this crucial matchup, featuring two pure, old-fashioned no.9 strikers in Luis Suarez and Darwin Nuñez. So, having Cavani out there would be slightly redundant.

Father Time is ruthless and both Suarez and Cavani are well-known veterans already. So, even though Suarez has struggled as of late, he still trusts his talent— and personal history vs. Ghana— to prevail this time.

Even so, Alonso won’t hesitate to pull the plug and send Cavani out there if there’s a need for fresh legs in the offense, so it’s not like the Ghanese defense will be on the clear if they neutralize Suarez.