Carl Starfelt
CEL
Center Back
Ball-Playing Center Back
Jun 1, 1995 (31)
Right
6'1"
183 lb
Facing six weeks out
Starfelt (hamstring) is expected to miss around six weeks after an MRI revealed a muscle tear at the myotendinous junction of the right semimembranosus with involvement of the proximal tendon, according to the club.
Analysis: Starfelt is set for a significant spell on the sidelines after the injury forced him off in the 31st minute while on international duty with Sweden. The six-week timetable leaves Celta without one of their regular central defenders for several upcoming matches. Javi Rodriguez and Joel Lago could see increased opportunities in the backline during his absence, particularly with Sebastian Caceres also dealing with an injury.
Leaves Sweden camp
Starfelt (hamstring) has left the Sweden squad, the Swedish federation announced. Coach Graham Potter said after the match, per Expressen that the injury did not look good, though the severity was not yet known. "It doesn't look good. He won't be playing against Romania, but we don't know how serious it is,"
Analysis: Starfelt will undergo assessment by Celta Vigo's medical team upon his return, as a hamstring issue of this nature threatens to sideline him for several weeks. The Swedish centre-back's potential absence leaves the club critically thin in central defense, particularly with Sebastian Caceres also departing early from Uruguay duty under an injury cloud. Celta may now be forced to turn to Javi Rodriguez and Joel Lago as emergency alternatives to plug the gap in the back line.
Suffers apparent hamstring injury
Starfelt was forced off in the 31st minute of Friday's Nations League match against Bosnia and Herzegovina with an apparent hamstring injury.
Analysis: Starfelt's status is unclear pending an assessment after he came off just past the half-hour with an apparent hamstring problem. The grade of the injury will only be established by a scan, and no timeframe can be set before then. He has two La Liga starts and one goal for Celta Vigo this season.
Scores equalizer
Starfelt scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) and one chance created in Monday's 1-1 draw versus Getafe. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 77th minute.
Analysis: Starfelt would save Celta from the loss Monday as he found the back of the net, with the defender notching a goal in the 57th minute to equalize the game. This gives the defender a rare goal, as he didn't see any in league play last season. He also added a clearance, two interceptions and three tackles in the defense.
Back for preseason
Starfelt joined Celta Vigo's preseason training camp on Wednesday, the club announced.
Analysis: Starfelt had missed the final 12 matches of last season with a herniated disc, an issue for which surgery had been considered before he was ultimately able to avoid the operation. He made brief appearances at the World Cup with Sweden, including 89th minute involvement against Japan, though his limited playing time had raised questions about his full recovery heading into preseason. The defender addressed those concerns directly in a social media post, saying he was back and fully fit despite what he described as a complicated stretch balancing the Europa League run and the injury scare. Starfelt is expected to build toward full fitness as Celta Vigo's preseason continues.
Comes off bench Thursday
Starfelt (back) took part in the final 26 minutes of Sweden's friendly against Greece on Thursday.
Analysis: Starfelt has left his issue behind as expected and will be an option for the World Cup. Still, he'll be in contention with Isak Hien and Eric Smith for playing time in central defense. If given meaningful opportunities, Starfelt may be able to contribute through passes and defensive stats, having posted more than six clearances in five of his last seven matches played for Celta Vigo in the Spanish first division.
Aims to be fit for World Cup
Starfelt (back) will not be available for Saturday's season finale against Sevilla and will now focus entirely on being fit for the World Cup with Sweden this summer, according to coach Claudio Giraldez, per Mundo Celeste.
Analysis: Starfelt ends the campaign with one goal, 30 tackles, 28 interceptions and an impressive 186 clearances across 39 appearances (27 starts) for Celta, having been one of the most defensively productive center-backs in La Liga before the herniated disc brought his season to a premature end. The Swedish international will be motivated to prove his fitness ahead of the tournament, with his recovery timeline making the World Cup a realistic target despite the back issue requiring careful management.
Herniated disc confirmed
Starfelt is out for the time being due to a herniated disc, according to his club.
Analysis: Starfelt has been out for some time due to a back injury, and the exact reason has finally been figured out, with the defender suffering from a herniated disc. Unfortunately, with only a few matches left this season, it puts his season in jeopardy. He has been a regular starter, so this is a rough loss for the club, losing a defender with 19 starts this season.
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