The Marcelo Bielsa Stadium, known as "El Coloso del Parque," is hardly an ideal setting for returning from an injury. The intense and fervent atmosphere of a "clásico" radiates from the stands of the Rosario club that gave rise to football legend Lionel Messi and welcomed Diego Armando Maradona back to Argentina in 1993 for the Copa Libertadores. This passionate environment makes the challenge even greater, especially when returning from a muscle tear, with little match rhythm and lacking game sharpness. But that was the situation for Spanish midfielder Ander Herrera. Was it a rushed decision? Was he risked too soon in the eagerness to become a key player once again for Fernando Gago’s team?

A Brief Appearance

It took only five minutes on the pitch for Ander Herrera to become the focus of one of the day’s most emotional moments. He left the field visibly in pain and broke down in tears on the substitutes’ bench. Without attempting to delay the game or wait for medical attention, he walked straight off the pitch.

The frustration was immediate. Sitting on the bench, he covered his face with his jersey and couldn’t hold back the tears, painfully aware that his body had failed him once more. TV cameras captured the heartbreaking scene as his teammates tried to console him. The images quickly made their way to Spain, where the media highlighted his physical ordeal. “Touched and Sunk,” read the headline in AS, while Marca emphasized his despair: “Just five minutes after coming on, without waiting for any substitution, he left the field in tears and remained inconsolable on the bench, fearing the worst.”

Third Time Unlucky

Herrera was introduced as a Boca Juniors player on January 24, and his injury struggles began soon after. His first setback came in Boca’s opening match of the Apertura Tournament against Argentinos Juniors. Starting in La Bombonera, the Spaniard was forced off at the 65-minute mark with a hamstring injury that sidelined him for over a month.

In his second attempt to return, misfortune struck again. During the warm-up ahead of the clash against Defensa y Justicia, he felt discomfort in the same area and was ruled out of the match.

The third blow came this past Sunday against Newell’s. Herrera started on the bench, and Gago brought him on to inject energy into a disjointed Boca side struggling to keep possession. However, just five minutes later, the midfielder was forced off, overcome by yet another injury.

The Superclásico vs. River, 27 Days Away

On April 27, the first Superclásico of the year will take place at the Monumental, and Boca Juniors hopes to have Herrera back in contention. His return could be vital not only for his footballing contribution but also due to the emotional weight of facing their eternal rival.

In a season where every match carries significant weight, the Superclásico is no exception. For Herrera, this clash represents both a crucial test and a chance to fulfill his dream of being one of the 22 warriors battling in South America’s most passionate football rivalry.