Despite the problems in the shipment to Argentina, Botafogo has an important novelty among those related to the game against Defensa y Justicia, for the Copa Sudamericana. Recovered from an injury to his left calf, left-back Marçal is back at the disposal of coach Bruno Lage and traveled with the team to Buenos Aires, where the match valid for the second leg of the quarter-finals will take place, at 7 pm (local time). from Brasilia).
Marçal had been injured in the draw with São Paulo, last week, at Morumbi, for the Brazilian Championship. The winger was left out of the first leg against Defensa y Justica and the victory over Bahia, on Sunday. The expectation is that he won’t return until next Saturday, against Flamengo, but the recovery was quick and Marçal can now play again.
Thus, Bruno Lage will now have to choose between Marçal and Hugo, who has been growing in production and gaining space in the Botafogo team. Because shirt number 21 is coming back from injury, Hugo should be chosen to start playing this Wednesday.
Bruno Lage saves players against Defensa y Justicia
Despite Marçal’s important return, Botafogo also has significant absences for the match against Defensa y Justicia. Midfielder Eduardo and striker Victor Sá were rested and did not even travel with the squad to Argentina. In addition, striker Tiquinho Soares is still out for treatment of an injury to his right knee.
Thus, Bruno Lage must, once again, choose an alternative team in the Copa Sudamericana. In the 1-1 draw at Nilton Santos, Botafogo entered the field with eight players considered reserves.
With a draw in the first leg, Botafogo needs a victory to advance straight to the semifinals of the Copa Sudamericana. A new tie takes the decision to penalties. If it advances, Botafogo will face the winner of the confrontation between LDU (EQU) and São Paulo. In the first game, in Quito, the home team won 2-1.
Check out Botafogo’s squads to face Defensa y Justicia
Athletes listed for the game against Defensa y Justicia, this Wednesday, for the South American. #VamosBOTAFOGO pic.twitter.com/JKiO46hD7f
— Botafogo FR (@Botafogo) August 29, 2023