Riquelme set for long-awaited return
Reuters - Friday 05 November 2010, 15:10
BUENOS AIRES - The expected return of
creative midfielder Juan Ramon Riquelme this weekend after a
long injury absence cannot come quickly enough for Boca Juniors
who have missed his unique talent, coach Claudio Borghi said.
"It's the first time I'm going to coach someone I admire,
one of those you can say 'This one really is good'," Borghi said
anticipating Riquelme's comeback from a six-month injury
lay-off.
However, Borghi is under no illusion that Riquelme will
magically resolve his team's difficulties with his brilliant eye
for the best pass.
"It would be unfair to ask Riquelme to solve all the
problems," Borghi told reporters after a team practice.
Boca, at home to title holders Argentinos Juniors in the
Bombonera stadium on Saturday, have struggled for
form without Riquelme, who had knee surgery in May.
Boca, on a three-match unbeaten run, are 11th in the
Apertura championship standings with 17 points from 12 matches,
10 points behind leaders Estudiantes.
They are gearing up to the "superclasico", the big derby
away to arch-rivals River Plate on November 16 where they hope to be
at full strength.
Argentina defender Clemente Rodriguez is available again
after serving a three-match suspension and defender Cristian
Cellay has recovered from injury.
Boca have two players suspended for one match, midfielder
Jesus Mendez for a red card and defender Juan Insaurralde for
his fifth booking in a 0-0 draw with Independiente 12 days ago.
There was no football last weekend following the sudden
death of former head of state Nestor Kirchner, husband of
President Cristina Fernandez.
Argentinos, who have produced many top Argentine players
including Diego Maradona, Borghi and Riquelme, have had an even
tougher Apertura since they won last season's Clausura
championship in May under Borghi.
With new coach Pedro Troglio in charge of a much changed
squad they went seven matches without a win. They have since won
three out of their last five and are 15th with 13 points.
River Plate, their eyes also on the clash with Boca that
follows, are away to All Boys on Sunday.