Why isn’t Edinson Cavani playing for Boca Juniors against Bayern Munich in FIFA Club World Cup 2025?

With Boca Juniors set to clash against one of FIFA Club World Cup 2025 candidates Bayern Munich, star Edinson Cavani’s absence raised some eyebrows among fans.

Boca Juniors are gearing up to take on European powerhouse Bayern Munich in Matchday 2 of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 — a crucial clash for both sides in Group C. As both teams look to secure their place in the knockout stage, fans have been left wondering why Boca star and Uruguayan legend Edinson Cavani won’t be suiting up.

In their opening match against Benfica, Boca rose to the occasion. Fueled by passionate support from their fans, they raced to a 2-0 lead before ultimately settling for a 2-2 draw. The game came at a cost, however, with Spaniard Ander Herrera suffering an injury and defender Nicolas Figal receiving a red card, leaving Boca short-handed for the group stage.

With Bayern heavily favored to top Group C, Boca will be aiming to secure at least a point to stay in strong position heading into their final group stage match against Auckland City FC. But Cavani’s absence remains a major talking point among supporters.

Why is Edinson Cavani out?

Edinson Cavani won’t feature against Bayern Munich as he continues to recover from a recurring calf strain that has sidelined him for weeks. The veteran striker made a brief return on May 19, logging 33 minutes against Independiente in the Torneo Apertura quarterfinals, but suffered a setback in his recovery and has yet to return to full fitness.

Cavani was already unavailable for the opening match against Benfica, where cameras caught him signing autographs during halftime. With his condition still not fully resolved, head coach Miguel Ángel Russo has opted to leave him out of the squad once again.

Since Boca’s arrival in North America for the Club World Cup, Cavani has been unable to train fully with the team. His workload has been limited to gym sessions, light jogging, and individual drills with the trainers — but no scrimmages or full-contact work.

As he continues his individualized recovery program in the United States, Russo and his staff are targeting Boca’s final group stage match against already-eliminated Auckland City as a possible return date for their No. 9. Until then, Boca will have to face Bayern without one of their most experienced and dangerous weapons.