Club Atlético River Plate will lose several players to the Argentina national team call-up during the October FIFA window. The players will be absent from next Monday until October 6, the day of the final friendly, impacting the team for their match against Sarmiento in Junín just 24 hours later.
The club's press department confirmed the situation. "Ponzio will lose players due to the FIFA date," said Prensa River. The Albiceleste coaching staff, preparing friendlies against Bolivia, Burkina Faso and Benin, is expected to include several names from the Millionaires.
Among the most likely call-ups are Gonzalo Montiel, an undisputed starter since his return, and young midfielder Tobías Andrada, aged 19, who would receive his first senior national team summons. Goalkeeper Santiago Beltrán, highly rated by the technical staff as a future alternative to Emiliano Martínez, is also expected to be on the list. Thiago Almada, while serving a suspension for the match against Bolivia, would be available for the other fixtures.
The participation of Nicolás Otamendi, already retired from the national team, remains to be defined; he could have a farewell at the Monumental against Benin, similar to Lionel Messi. This invitation scenario would also apply to Marcos Acuña and Ángel Correa. Competition for a place ahead of the 2028 Copa América and the 2030 World Cup intensifies with the inclusion of Agustín Giay.
The break comes at a good time for River, who sit seventh in the Liga Profesional Argentina with 13 points after nine rounds. The team has three wins and two draws in their last five matches, a positive run that includes a 2-1 victory over Atlético Tucumán on September 12, with goals from Andrada and Almada.
The absence of the internationals will be a challenge for the manager, as the team will not play during the mini-break but will face Sarmiento on October 7, just one day after the friendly against Benin. Those who feature in that match will have little recovery time. To review the available squad, visit the squad section. River's next fixture is this Friday, September 19, hosting ninth-placed Huracán at the Monumental.
