Alianza Lima hit by injuries ahead of Copa Libertadores debut

Alianza Lima announced on Tuesday that right back Luis Advíncula and forward Luis Ramos will miss the first-leg match of the first preliminary round of the Copa Libertadores, which will be played this Wednesday against Paraguay’s 2 de Mayo, due to injury.

Advíncula is suffering from sacroiliitis (inflammation of the sacroiliac joint), while Ramos has a strain of the left rectus femoris muscle. Both injuries occurred after the opening-round match of the Peruvian Apertura Tournament, in which Alianza Lima defeated Sport Huancayo 2–1 last Saturday.

Injuries force changes to Alianza Lima’s starting lineup

According to the club’s medical report, both players have already begun physiotherapy treatment, and further updates on their recovery will be provided in the coming days.

Local media reported that Marco Huamán is expected to replace Advíncula in the starting lineup, while Ramos was an attacking option in case of a possible rotation involving Paolo Guerrero. In that position, Alianza Lima also has the Argentine forward Federico Girotti.

Speaking about the injuries, Alianza Lima’s Argentine head coach Pablo Guede expressed his regret over the absences but emphasized that his squad has players “who can step in and replace them.”

2 de Mayo will make its Copa Libertadores debut this Wednesday when it hosts Alianza Lima in the first leg of the preliminary round. Alianza reached the group stage of last year’s Libertadores after eliminating teams such as Boca Juniors and Grêmio.

The first leg will be played at the Río Parapití Stadium in Pedro Juan Caballero, a Paraguayan city on the border with Brazil. The return leg is scheduled for February 11 at the Alejandro Villanueva Stadium in Lima.

The winner of this tie will face fellow Peruvian side Sporting Cristal in Phase 2 of the Copa Libertadores.

Watch beIN SPORTS Xtra live for free on YouTube