Carlos Palacios returns to the call of Boca Juniors against Racing

Carlos Palacios has been included in Boca Juniors' squad for their upcoming match against Racing Club, marking his return to the team's training sessions after a prolonged absence due to injuries. The Argentine club confirmed the inclusion of the Chilean midfielder in their lineup for the fixture at the Cilindro de Avellaneda, one of the most anticipated matches in the Transandine football calendar. Coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena has opted to bring back Palacios, who had struggled with consistency and playing time during the first half of the year. The decision comes amid ongoing efforts to reintegrate Palacios into the team’s core plans. The 32-year-old, who joined Boca Juniors from Colo Colo in 2024, has faced persistent health issues that have limited his contributions this season. He suffered from a knee injury early in the year, requiring surgery on his right meniscus, which restricted him to just 17 minutes of play so far in 2026. His last appearance was on July 16, when he came on as a substitute in a 2-0 win over Sarmiento de Junín in the Copa Argentina quarterfinals. Despite these setbacks, Palacios has remained part of the club's training setup, though he has not yet regained a regular spot in the starting XI. His recent return to the squad follows a period of physical rehabilitation, during which he also dealt with muscle-related complications, particularly affecting his pectoral area. These issues forced him to step aside from active participation in several training sessions earlier this year. Palacios' performance in 2025 was more consistent, with appearances in 36 matches, including 34 starts. During that campaign, he recorded 2,724 minutes of play, scoring three goals and providing four assists. However, the current season has presented challenges both physically and in terms of integration within the team structure. His presence in the latest squad suggests that coach Arruabarrena sees potential for him to contribute again, especially given the high stakes of the upcoming derby against Racing Club. In addition to Palacios, another player facing similar struggles for playing time is Williams Alarcón, who has also failed to establish himself among the first-team options. Both players were included in the squad for the match against Racing, indicating that Arruabarrena is exploring different combinations ahead of key fixtures. The inclusion of Palacios raises questions about how much impact he will have in the coming weeks. While his previous performances suggest he could still be a valuable asset, his recent fitness concerns remain a factor. Whether he can regain his place in the team's plans will depend largely on his ability to stay healthy and perform consistently in the matches ahead. The match against Racing Club represents a crucial test for Boca Juniors, as they aim to maintain their position in the league standings. With Palacios potentially returning to action, the club hopes to leverage his experience and technical skills to strengthen their midfield options. Fans will be watching closely to see if the Chilean can reclaim his form and make a meaningful contribution to the team's success in the coming months.