Cerro Porteño are preparing for their 19th-round Clausura 2026 fixture against Recoleta FC, with coach Gustavo Costas gaining an important defensive option. Captain Lucas Quintana is available again after serving a three-match suspension, and the match at La Nueva Olla kicks off the Sunday programme at 17:00.
Quintana returns to the back line
Quintana was sent off directly while captain in the earlier meeting with Sportivo Ameliano in Round 15, a game also played at the Barrio Obrero stadium. That dismissal opened a spot in the defence for Argentine Lucas Merolla, who started the next two matches, a win over San Lorenzo and a defeat to Olimpia in the derby. Merolla lasted only the first half against Olimpia after suffering a grade 2 ankle sprain, which ruled him out of the recent victory over Libertad and also rules him out against Recoleta.
Costas weighs his options
With Merolla sidelined, Quintana is expected to return to his usual place in the four-man back line, partnering Alexis Cañete in central defence. Costas, however, has alternatives. Víctor Gustavo Velázquez is competing with Quintana for a starting berth after his return from suspension.
Injury worries after the Superclásico
Cerro Porteño will also be without Ignacio Aliseda, adding to the absence of Merolla. Both players last featured in the 0-2 loss to Olimpia in Round 17, a physically demanding game in which neither finished. Cañete came on for the injured defender at half-time, and Jonatan Torres replaced the striker deep into stoppage time, at 90+2 minutes.
Source: www.abc.com.py
