After their defeat against Patriotas Boyacá, America de Cali needs to set the course in the BetPlay League with a positive result against Deportes Tolima at the Manuel Murillo Toro stadium. The 'Escarlata' team is outside the group of eight with 15 points, so the future of coach Juan Carlos Osorio is in 'we will see'.
The differences between the risaraldense coach and the directors of 'La Mecha' are not a secret, as both sides have ensured it on different occasions. On the one hand, Osorio wants to continue until June, hoping that his team's irregular performance can be reversed. And on the other hand, Tulio Gómez, the institution's highest shareholder, would have his departure defined by that date, which could pay a lower value for the strategist's compensation.
For now, the focus is on Tolima, which, as has been customary, is located at the top of the standings. Those led by Hernán Torres are third with 23 units, although they have lost their last two matches at home. The task will not be easy for America, which, on top of that, will not be able to count on some key players in the starting lineup.
The most recent case, and which generated concern among 'Scarlatas' fans, was that of John Garcia, who again suffered a health mishap. The 32-year-old defender came from training normally, after receiving medical discharge; however, on Friday night he had to be hospitalized, as confirmed in a statement.
“Our player John Garcia was hospitalized last night for having a hematuria and is under medical observation. The defender is low for tomorrow's commitment [today] and his evolution will mark availability for the next matches of the 2022-I BetPlay League,” the institution noted on its social networks.
Hematuria corresponds to the presence of blood in the urine, and can be caused by the use of certain medications, infections or an injury to the kidneys, to mention some cases.
At the end of Garcia there are also four other players. The left-back, Brayan Vera, who presented a “direct trauma to his right knee” during Friday's practice, and Iago Falque, who is advancing to recover from a muscle injury. It is estimated that the Spanish attacker, one of the most important reinforcements in Colombian football for this season, will reappear within three weeks.
Nor will defender Jorge Segura or midfielder Carlos Sierra be available, who will return to training this Monday.
The last meeting between Tolima and America took place on December 12, 2021, on the fifth date of the semifinals. The 'Vinotinto y Oro' won 1-0 at the Pascual Guerrero stadium with a score by Paraguayan Gustavo Ramírez.
Recall that matchday 13 of the championship already delivered four results this Saturday: Atlético Bucaramanga beat Jaguares 1-0; Envigado and Once Caldas finished in tables (1-1); Unión Magdalena won 2-1 against Aguilas Doradas; and Pereira equalized 1-1 against Medellin.
Sunday, March 27:
Cali Vs. Cortulua
Hora: 3:10 PM
Stadium: Deportivo Cal
Transmission: Win+
Oil Alliance Vs. Patriots:
Hora: 5:15 PM
Stadium: Daniel Villa Zapata
Transmission: Win/Win+
Tolima Vs. America de Cali
Hora: 7:30 PM
Stadium: Manuel Murillo Toro
Transmission: Win+
Monday: March 28:
Deportivo Pasto vs. Equity
Hora: 5:30 PM
Stadium: Departmental Libertad
Transmission: Win/Win+
Atletico Nacional vs. Independent Santa Fe
Hora: 7:35 PM
Stadium: Atanasio Girardot
Transmission: Win+
Wednesday, March 30:
Millionaires vs. Junior:
Hora: 8:00 PM
Stadium: El Campin
Transmission: Win+
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