Carlos Dotor
CEL
CM (CF)
Box-to-Box
Mar 15, 2001 (25)
Right
5'11"
150 lb
Celta VigoMakes surprise return to XI
Dotor (knee) is in the starting lineup after making a quick recovery from an injury that nearly ruled him out of the season opener.
Analysis: Dotor suffered a knee injury during a preseason friendly that initially ruled him out of the opening game, but after several days of partial training he was included in the squad and handed an immediate, surprising start rather than being eased in as a bench option. The midfielder had a standout season on loan at Malaga last year, making 40 official appearances with one goal and four assists as he established himself as a key player in the club's historic promotion to the First Division.
Ruled out for season opener
Dotor suffered a grade I tear of the medial collateral ligament in his right knee during Friday's friendly against Ceuta, according to Deportes COPE Malaga.
Analysis: Dotor will miss Malaga's season opener against Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano as a result, with his recovery period estimated at around two to three weeks pending his progress. Coach Juanfran Funes' concern following the match proved justified, as Dotor had to leave the field due to the joint injury. The coaching staff loses one of its key midfielders right before the start of the season. Dotor is expected to be reassessed as his recovery advances.
Dealing with muscular problems
Dotor exited Friday's friendly match against Ceuta with an apparent right leg injury, according to Jairo Sanchez of 101TV.es.
Analysis: Further tests will be needed to determine the extent of the injury, but a scenario in which Dotor opens the 2026/27 season sidelined can't be ruled out. Dotor is expected to rest for a few days while he undergoes further tests, but for now, his availability for the season opener against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, Aug. 19, is uncertain.
Returns to Malaga on loan
Dotor is returning to Malaga CF on loan from Celta Vigo for the 2026-27 season, once again linking up with head coach Juan Funes, the club announced.
Analysis: Dotor came through Real Madrid's academy before Celta signed him in 2023, and he had a standout season on loan at Malaga last year, making 40 official appearances with one goal and four assists as he established himself as a key player in the club's historic promotion to the First Division. Rather than making a fresh move elsewhere, Dotor is heading back to an environment he already knows well, continuing his development at Malaga for a second straight season as the club prepares for its first top-flight campaign in years.
Returns to Celta Vigo
Dotor will return to parent club Celta Vigo following the conclusion of his loan spell at Malaga, the club announced.
Analysis: Dotor made 40 official appearances for Malaga, including 35 in the second division contributing one goal and four assists, establishing himself as a regular starter in midfield throughout the campaign. His understanding alongside Izan Merino and Dani Lorenzo in the middle of the park was fundamental for coach Juanfran Funes and played a key role in the club's promotion back to La Liga. Malaga thanked Dotor for his work, commitment and professionalism during a successful spell at the club.
Starts 40 matches as loanee
Dotor started in 40 of his 42 league appearances for Malaga in the 2025/26 season. He recorded one goal and five assists.
Analysis: Dotor spent the 2025/26 season on loan at Malaga from Celta Vigo, and he was a regular presence in the middle of the park for the Blanquicelestes. Dotor is slated to return to Celta for the 2026/27 campaign, but another loan to Malaga can't be ruled out.
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