River Plate is looking to bounce back from the disappointing defeat to Tigre as they prepare to face Argentinos Juniors in the fifth round of Group B of the 2026 Apertura Tournament. The match is set to take place on Thursday, February 12, at 21:15. Coach Marcelo Gallardo has already announced his squad for this crucial encounter.
Among the notable inclusions in the 23-player roster is Joaquín Freitas, a promising 19-year-old forward. Gallardo considers Freitas a viable option in attack alongside Agustín Ruberto, particularly due to the injury sidelining Sebastián Driussi and the poor form of both Facundo Colidio and Maximiliano Salas. Additionally, Kendry Páez, who joined as a reinforcement during the current transfer window, is also part of the squad.
This will mark Freitas’s second call-up to the first team, having previously appeared for 16 minutes in a goalless draw against Vélez in November 2025, a match held at the Estadio José Amalfitani.
Meanwhile, the 18-year-old Ecuadorian offensive midfielder Páez is poised to make his debut with River after arriving on loan from Chelsea, following a prior stint at Racing de Estrasburgo where he was earlier on loan.
On the absentee front, Fausto Vera will miss out due to an unusual expulsion received in the match against Tigre at Estadio Monumental. In addition, goalkeeper Franco Armani remains out of action, unable to debut this tournament due to a calf tear that has since led to heel inflammation.
The match between River and Argentinos Juniors, officiated by Andrés Merlos and with Silvio Trucco on VAR duties, will be broadcast live on TNT Sports Premium, exclusively available with the football package. Fans can also follow the game live through La Página Millonaria’s minute-by-minute updates and via their YouTube channel, featuring commentary by Renzo Pantich.
River’s potential lineup for the match includes Santiago Beltrán; Gonzalo Montiel, Lucas Martínez Quarta, Lautaro Rivero, Marcos Acuña; Giuliano Galoppo, Anibal Moreno, Tomás Galván; Juanfer Quintero; Facundo Colidio, and Maxi Salas.
River Plate seeks to regain momentum and keep their aspirations alive in the tournament with a strong performance against Argentinos Juniors.