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Universitario Faces Injury Woes Ahead of Key Match Against Melgar

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3 minutes ago

September 14, 2025

Lima, Peru – Universitario de Deportes will defend its lead in the Clausura against Melgar on Sunday, September 14, 2025. This match is crucial for the team’s hopes of securing the championship after dropping points in the recent clásico against Alianza Lima.

Key players Alex Valera and Edison Flores are doubtful for the game after being removed from the national team due to injuries. Meanwhile, Andy Polo has been confirmed as absent for the trip to Arequipa, as journalist Gustavo Peralta reported that the right-back has not fully recovered from his injury that prevented him from playing with Peru.

To add to their troubles, Hugo Ancajima, who was expected to replace Polo, suffered a tear during Thursday’s practice. He will also miss the match against Melgar. Furthermore, José Rivera experienced discomfort in practice on Friday and is a question mark for the squad.

Due to these injuries, coach Jorge Fossati may restore Williams Riveros to the starting defense. César Inga is likely to step in as the right-back in Polo’s absence. The anticipated starting lineup includes Sebastián Britos; Anderson Santamaría, Riveros, Matías Di Benedetto; Inga, Martín Pérez Guedes, Jesús Castillo, Jairo Concha, José Carabalí; Jairo Vélez, and Alex Valera (with Diego Churín as an option).