River Plate's ongoing difficulties this season are compounded by injuries, as highlighted by the unfortunate incident involving Juan Portillo during their recent match against Argentinos Juniors. Portillo was brought in to replace Aníbal Moreno, who had requested to come off due to a muscle issue. However, Portillo's appearance was cut short when he suffered a serious knee injury, twisting his right knee inward after just a couple of minutes on the pitch. This alarming diagnosis has raised concerns about the potential severity of his condition at a critical moment for the team.

The game had already been challenging for River, with head coach Marcelo Gallardo being sent off during the first half for dissent. With Portillo's quick exit due to injury, River was forced to continue the match with only ten players, deeply hampering their ability to compete effectively. The situation put an extra strain on the remaining squad members as they faced Argentinos Juniors, ultimately leading to another disappointing result.

This situation underscores the ongoing injury crisis facing River Plate, raising questions about the team's depth and resilience. As they struggle to maintain performance amidst multiple setbacks, the implications for their season become increasingly critical, especially regarding their competitiveness in the league. The emotional toll of such injuries on players and staff cannot be underestimated, as illustrated by Portillo's despair after the incident.