River Welcomes FIFARiver Welcomes FIFA Returnees for Estudiantes Matchup

River Plate is set to play Estudiantes on Saturday, with most of its regular players available, according to Olé. Marcelo Gallardo plans to give his team some game time before their Copa Libertadores quarterfinal against Palmeiras on Wednesday, while also managing players who had intense minutes during the FIFA break.

The team had a full training session on Thursday, welcoming back Paulo Díaz, Matías Galarza, Kevin Castaño, and Juan Fernando Quintero from international duty. Gonzalo Montiel and Marcos Acuña also returned for light recovery work. Gallardo has experimented with a lineup similar to his usual formation, but final choices will depend on fitness checks in the last practice.

Some players are uncertain for the match. Defender Paulo Díaz will be rested after two full matches with Chile, and Lautaro Rivero is expected to start in his place. Montiel and Castaño are doubtful, with Fabricio Bustos and Portillo likely stepping in. Acuña, who did not play for Argentina, is anticipated to start on the left side.

The expected lineup against Estudiantes is: Armani; Montiel or Bustos, Martínez Quarta, Rivero, Acuña; Enzo Pérez, Castaño or Portillo, Galoppo, Nacho Fernández; Driussi, and Salas. The match at Estadio Jorge Luis Hirschi will kick off at 7 p.m. local time.