If the Apertura season does start next week, there could be a chance that idols’ Marcelo Gallardo and Ariel Ortega may not play in the opener against Banfield. Despite all the negotiation problems with AFA and the media outlets, River continues to train in its headquarters. Since returning from the preseason training in Canada, Marcelo and Ariel have had trouble recovering from some problems that have plagued them from awhile. They have both continued to recover from these problems and it is possible that they could be substitution players against the season opener with Banfield.
Another doubt in the starting line-up is Cristian Fabbiani. The ‘Ogre’ had a great preseason in Canada, scoring goals and having a strong presence up-field. Unfortunately, he had accumulated a yellow card during last season’s match against Estudiantes de la Plata, and he will be forced to sit this game out. Coach Nestor Gorosito will probably replace him with Andres Rios as Diego Buonanotte has had good chemistry with this forward.
River needs all its players healthy and ready to face two tournaments at once. The local ‘Apertura’ tournament and the Copa Nissan Sudamericana will both be targets for the Millonarios. With support from us, the fans, River has the potential to win.