River Plate Prepares for Crucial Clash Against Racing Club Amid Lineup Challenges

River Plate returned to training at the RiverCamp in Ezeiza following a commanding 3-0 victory over Belgrano de Córdoba at the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium. The win brought relief to the squad, but the coaching staff under Leonardo Ponzio must now address several setbacks ahead of Sunday's match against Racing Club at the Monumental Stadium.

The upcoming fixture represents a vital step for River Plate as they fight to secure a spot in the top eight of their zone for the Clausura tournament playoffs. Furthermore, the team is striving to climb the annual standings to earn a qualification berth for the Copa Libertadores, currently sitting in seventh place with 49 points.

Ponzio will be forced to make at least two changes to the starting lineup. Midfielder Fausto Vera suffered a right hamstring tear during the match against Belgrano and is expected to miss approximately three weeks of action, ruling him out against Racing and the upcoming Superclásico against Boca Juniors.

In addition to Vera's absence, defender Lucas Martínez Quarta is suspended for accumulating five yellow cards, forcing a change in the central defense. Ponzio is considering either Lautaro Rivero or Tobías Ramírez to fill the vacancy, while left-back Marcos Acuña is expected to return to the starting eleven after recovering from a foot injury sustained earlier against Sarmiento de Junín.

The tactical setup in the attack also remains a point of discussion. Lucas Beltrán stepped into the starting lineup in the previous match, replacing Sebastián Driussi. Reports indicate that internal friction involving Driussi, Ángel Correa, and Thiago Almada may have influenced tactical decisions, though Driussi remains the team's top scorer despite battling physical issues and working through a physical conditioning program.

With only three matches remaining in the regular phase, every fixture is treated as a knockout game. Following the encounter with Racing, River Plate will face Boca Juniors at La Bombonera and conclude the campaign against Aldosivi in Mar del Plata as they look to overcome a difficult start to the season under previous management.