Boca Juniors are set to begin their FIFA Club World Cup 2025 campaign with a high-stakes Group C opener against SL Benfica. For the Argentine giants, it’s a crucial opportunity to make a strong impression. However, one notable absence is star striker Edinson Cavani, who will miss the match against the Portuguese side.
With club legend Juan Román Riquelme now serving as president, Boca have attracted a number of experienced European-based players, including Marcos Rojo, Spanish midfielder Ander Herrera, and Cavani, the iconic Uruguayan forward. Off the pitch, Boca have turned heads as well, thanks to their passionate fan base and vibrant presence in the United States.
That atmosphere was even acknowledged by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who posted about Boca on Instagram: “I was delighted to see the passion of Boca Juniors fans take over Miami Beach before their FIFA Club World Cup opener later today. Soccer fever has truly taken over the United States of America.”
Why is Cavani out?
Boca Juniors will be without Edinson Cavani against Benfica as the striker continues to recover from a lingering calf injury. The veteran forward has not regained full fitness in time for the match, prompting head coach Miguel Angel Russo to leave him out of the squad entirely.
Cavani initially suffered the injury on April 19 in a match against Estudiantes de La Plata, sidelining him for about a month. He returned briefly on May 19 against Independiente, coming off the bench, but suffered a setback shortly afterward, delaying his recovery.
Coach Russo addressed Cavani’s status during the pre-match press conference: “Cavani is day to day—we’re talking to him, we’re checking in, we’ve been in touch and everything. It’s normal and natural; we’ll handle it day by day in the best way possible,”
The plan is to have Cavani fully fit for Boca’s second match of the group stage, a high-profile clash against Bayern Munich on Friday. In the meantime, the Xeneize will have to take the field against Benfica without one of their biggest stars.
