Five positive coronavirus cases in River Plate: absences for the match against Colo Colo in the Copa Libertadores.

River Plate wants to secure their spot in the round of 16 this Thursday against Colo Colo at Monumental Stadium. However, just hours before the fifth match of Group F, the club announced news that changes Marcelo Gallardo's plans and preparations for the match: five positive cases of coronavirus.

After COVID-19 tests were conducted on the delegation members between Tuesday and Wednesday, the results showed that Franco Armani, Javier Pinola, and Tomás Pochettino (all three from the professional squad), as well as Mariano Barnao and Matías Ghirlanda (two of Marcelo Gallardo's assistants), tested positive.

In light of this, TyC Sports reported that River Plate has decided for all those who tested positive to isolate in their homes until they recover from the disease. Therefore, the players and the coaching staff will not be present for the match against 'Cacique' in the final home game of the group stage.

From a sports perspective, Gallardo was counting on Franco Armani as the goalkeeper, the usual guarantee under the team's goal posts. Meanwhile, Tomás Pochettino had great chances of starting the action from the midfield. As for Javier Pinola, he was going to be among the alternatives, but his contribution on the field is often crucial.

One detail: the source indicated that River had to publish the list of called-up players on Tuesday night, but these issues halted the announcement. Therefore, the individuals involved in the match against Colo Colo will be revealed on Wednesday.

The 'Banda' leads the group with ten points with two matches remaining in the group stage. Meanwhile, the Chilean team is in second place with seven points, followed by the Brazilian team Fortaleza with four and the Peruvian team Alianza Lima with one point. To advance, Gallardo's team only needs a draw.