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River’s Maximiliano Meza Suffers Patellar Tendon Avulsion, Set for Surgery and Three-Month Layoff

The setback pressures River to reshuffle its midfield options.

Overview

  • River’s medical department confirmed an avulsion of Meza’s left patellar tendon and scheduled surgery in the coming days.
  • The injury occurred around the 30th minute of the Superclásico at La Bombonera without contact, and Meza left the field in tears.
  • Initial guidance targets roughly three months out, though some reports project three to four months with a competitive return likely in 2026.
  • Meza previously underwent surgery for chronic patellar tendinitis in the same knee and has endured multiple setbacks this year, totaling about 198 days sidelined.
  • The absence forces tactical changes for Marcelo Gallardo, with Matías Galarza Fonda, Juanfer Quintero, or Nacho Fernández considered as replacements following the 2–0 loss to Boca.