Edinson Cavani's much-anticipated return to Boca Juniors has been marred by injury and underperformance. After spending over three months recovering from a lumbar injury, which kept him out of pre-season activities, Cavani made his return during a match against Platense. Unfortunately, he missed a clear scoring opportunity, contributing to a frustrating goalless draw that disappointed Boca fans, who expressed their discontent with boos throughout the game.

The criticism of Cavani was notably vocal from Oscar Ruggeri, a former Boca player and World Cup champion, who did not hold back in his assessment on ESPN. Ruggeri stated that Cavani "does not appear to be a football player" at present, signaling a significant drop in form since his high-profile stints at Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain. Ruggeri further highlighted concerning aspects of Cavani's professionalism, particularly noting that he did not participate in the team's warm-up routine, an essential part of preparing for a match.

The implications of Cavani's struggles extend beyond individual performance; they reflect the broader challenges faced by Boca Juniors, a team with high expectations from its fanbase. Fans expect their players to be at peak fitness and performance levels, particularly when they are as highly regarded as Cavani. As the team seeks to regain their competitive edge, the scrutiny on Cavani will only intensify, underscoring the weight of expectations in Argentine football and the critical view of ex-professionals like Ruggeri that shapes public perception.