Cavani Faces Injury Setback, Likely to Miss Boca Juniors’ Club World Cup Opener Against Benfica

Edinson Cavani, the veteran Uruguayan striker for Boca Juniors, is set to miss the club’s opening match against Benfica in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup due to a lingering calf injury. The 38-year-old, widely regarded as one of the top center-forwards of his generation, has been training separately from the main squad and has not yet regained full fitness, according to team sources and head coach Miguel Ángel Russo.

Cavani initially suffered the calf injury in April during a match against Estudiantes de La Plata and aggravated it upon his return in May’s Apertura quarterfinal against Independiente. Since then, his recovery has been slow, with recurring muscle issues keeping him sidelined for several key fixtures. Boca Juniors’ medical staff and Russo have prioritized a cautious approach, opting not to risk Cavani’s long-term health for a single match. “I’d rather wait one more day than lose him for 20,” Russo stated, emphasizing the importance of a full recovery before returning to action.

Boca Juniors will instead rely on Miguel Merentiel to lead the attack in Cavani’s absence, with Carlos Palacios expected to play a creative, supporting role up front. The Argentine side faces additional pressure after a 2–2 draw against Benfica in their group stage opener, a match in which Cavani’s absence was notably felt.

There is hope within the Boca camp that Cavani could return for the high-profile second group stage match against Bayern Munich, provided his rehabilitation progresses as planned. Until then, fans and analysts continue to monitor updates on Cavani’s condition as Boca Juniors navigate a challenging Club World Cup campaign in the United States.