Junior de Barranquilla and Santa Fe tied 1-1 in the first leg of the 2026 Super League, a match that marked the beginning of the fight for the first title of the year.

Beyond the result on the field, attention was focused on the official presentation of Luis Fernando Muriel, who arrives as the most high-profile hiring of the season for Colombian Professional Soccer.

However, his absence on the playing field raised questions among the shark fans.

At the end of the match, technical director Alfredo Arias clarified the situation of the Atlantic striker, revealing that Muriel is not in optimal conditions to compete immediately.

The strategist explained that, after carrying out the relevant analyses, excess weight was detected due to prolonged inactivity.

“A player like Muriel would like to have him for yesterday, but he comes without competing,” said Arias, emphasizing that the current priority is the footballer’s reconditioning.

Caution seems to be the coaching staff’s roadmap to avoid unnecessary risks.

A lot of sausage? Muriel arrived with excess weight: Alfredo Arias, Junior coach

Arias emphasized that he will not allow the “despair” of the environment to lead him to make a mistake that results in an injury to the player.

According to the coach, the primary responsibility is to protect Muriel’s physical integrity, ensuring that her return to the grass must be progressive and under rigorous supervision by the physical trainers.

Muriel’s immediate future on the payroll will depend on two key factors: the arrival of her regulatory documentation and her evolution in training.

“Whether he plays depends more on the regulations and his physical condition than on my desire,” concluded the Uruguayan coach.

It is expected that in the coming days it will be determined whether the attacker will be able to add his first minutes in the second leg or if he will have to comply with a special training plan before his official debut.

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