Javi Galán
CEL
LWB
Overlapping Full Back
Nov 19, 1994 (31)
Left
5'8"
154 lb
Celta VigoMakes starting lineup
Galan (thigh) is in the starting XI for Saturday's match against Valencia.
Analysis: alan suffered a thigh injury in mid-July but gradually worked his way back to fitness and trained with the group for most of the past two weeks, earning an immediate starting role for Celta's league opener. He is expected to be the first-choice left wing-back but could still be rotated at times given Celta's tendency to change their lineup.
Available vs. Valencia
Galan (thigh) is in the squad for Saturday's match against Valencia.
Analysis: Galan has been training with the group for the better part of the last two weeks, and he's been included in the squad for this clash. The veteran should be an option on the left side of the defensive line, and if he's healthy enough, he could earn a starting role.
Training with group
Galan (thigh) is training with the group but has yet to receive clearance to be eligible to play ahead of the season opener versus Osasuna on Sunday, Grada de Rio reports.
Analysis: Galan suffered a thigh injury in mid-July but has been working his way back to action. The left-back might not recover in time to face Osasuna in the 2026/27 season opener Sunday, but he could be fit to face Valencia on Saturday, Aug. 22.
Suffers thigh tear
Galan is out for the next few weeks due to a thigh tear, according to his club.
Analysis: Galan will have to pause his pre-season training, as the defender is suffering from a low-grade thigh tear. This will set him back a bit in his preparations for the season, although he will still have a chance at returning ahead of their first match of the season on August 16. He could earn a starting role after returning to the club, so he will hope for a quick recovery, likely to be sidelined for two to four weeks if no setbacks occur.
Returns to Celta Vigo through 2028
Galan signed with Celta Vigo through 2028, returning to his native region for a second spell at the club, the club announced.
Analysis: Galan made 79 official appearances during his first stint at Celta, establishing himself as one of the most reliable left-backs in the squad before joining Atletico Madrid for the 2023-24 season, where he gained experience in the Champions League, the Spanish Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup. He subsequently had spells at Real Sociedad and Osasuna before returning to Celta for a new chapter at a club he knows intimately. Known for his ability to cover the entire flank, his attacking depth and his quality in one-on-one situations, Galan's precision in delivery and ability to exploit space make him a natural fit for coach Claudio Giraldez's system. His return reunites him with several former teammates including Iago Aspas, Sergio Carreira and Ivan Villar, which should ease his reintegration into a squad approaching the new season with considerable enthusiasm.
Whips in eight crosses
Galan recorded one shot (zero on goal), eight crosses (two accurate) and two chances created in Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Getafe.
Analysis: Galan was back in a starting role Saturday after he was a bench option in the last contest, playing his typical role at left-back. He recorded a solid eight crosses from the flank, falling one short of his season-high for crosses in a game. The defender ends his campaign with a single assist to his name while also being involved in two clean sheets.
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