Gabriel Maureira is expected to return as Colo Colo's starting goalkeeper this Sunday, when they visit Coquimbo Unido at Francisco Sánchez Rumoroso stadium in the First Division. In the latest training session, Fernando Ortiz did not put Vozinha in goal.
According to La Tercera, the Argentine coach is restoring the young goalkeeper to the position he had vacated after being called up to the national team for the Pan American Games. An injury ultimately prevented him from traveling to Santa Fe with the team led by Sebastián Miranda, Nicolás Córdova's assistant.
ADN Radio reports the same outlook: Vozinha is expected to be on the substitutes' bench and Eduardo Villanueva would be left out of the squad, despite his good performances in the Chile Cup. One final training session remained before the trip to the Fourth Region.
The decision reverses the choice Ortiz made in early September, when he selected the Cape Verde goalkeeper for the match against Huachipato. "Yes, Josimar will play in goal. I've already decided," he said at the time, clarifying that Maureira had not lost his place and that he wanted to see Vozinha on the pitch.
The Cape Verdean's contract includes an automatic renewal clause requiring him to play in half of Colo Colo's matches. According to La Tercera, that condition does not influence the coach's decisions.
The changes extend beyond the goalkeeper. Jonathan Villagra, Víctor Felipe Méndez and Leandro Hernández are expected to return to the starting lineup after playing with La Roja during the latest FIFA international window. Joaquín Sosa is also expected to feature in defense.
Ortiz is expected to put his trust again in youngsters Cristián Díaz and Gedeón Díaz, who stood out in the ties against Audax Italiano and Deportes Puerto Montt. The formation would retain three center backs, with Arturo Vidal in defense.
Barring any last-minute changes, Colo Colo would line up with Maureira; Villagra, Vidal, Sosa; Rojas, C. Díaz, V. Méndez; Madrid; Hernández; Correa and G. Díaz. ADN Radio places Gedeón Díaz in midfield and Hernández alongside Javier Correa in attack. Colo Colo is seeking to maintain its lead near the top of the table.
