Couhaib Driouech has been named in a Celta Vigo squad for the first time ahead of their LaLiga EA Sports match against Real Sociedad at Anoeta. Manager Claudio Giráldez revealed his 24-man selection on Wednesday with Aleix Febas injured and Borja Iglesias still unavailable.
Driouech, signed this summer from PSV Eindhoven for around seven million euros, could make his celeste debut in San Sebastián. The match, corresponding to the sixth matchday, will be played on Thursday 3 September at 21:00. Giráldez welcomes back defender Marcos Alonso, who served a suspension last weekend.
What does Driouech bring to the team?
The Vigo coach explained that the Moroccan international is ready to contribute, though likely not from the start. "I don't see him starting, but he could have minutes," Giráldez stated in his press conference. He particularly highlighted the player's individual ability to make a difference. "He's a player with many capabilities to survive individually in a match," he noted.
Driouech joins a team looking to improve its attacking output. In the first five matchdays, Celta have scored six goals, according to our stats page. His addition aims to provide pace and width on the flanks, qualities the team needs to become more dangerous.
Who are the key absentees?
The injury list for the trip to Anoeta includes two attacking players. Borja Iglesias continues in the final phase of recovery from his left soleus injury. The striker, who arrived in the last winter market, is still not ready. Aleix Febas will also miss out, with the midfielder ruled out through physical problems.
Another absence will be goalkeeper Iván Villar, who remains in Vigo following his mother's passing. This situation led Giráldez to include reserve team keeper Coke Carrillo in the squad. The manager has also called up youth team midfielders Hugo Burcio and Andrés Antañón.
How is Celta approaching this match?
The sky-blue team faces the encounter after collecting seven points from their first five league games. They sit eleventh in the standings, four points from European places. Their record shows two wins, one draw and two defeats. At Anoeta they will face a Real Sociedad side that starts as favourites, but Celta have shown they can compete away from home.
The club's latest signing, Uruguayan centre-back Sebastián Cáceres, has not yet joined the working group and will not travel to San Sebastián. His arrival is expected in the coming days, once administrative procedures are complete. Meanwhile, Giráldez trusts the defence he has used in recent weeks.
Who makes up the full squad?
The 24-man list includes three goalkeepers: Altay Bayindir, Andrei Radu and Coke Carrillo. In defence are Carl Starfelt, Marcos Alonso, Abdoulaye Faye, Sergio Carreira, Miguel Román, Álvaro Núñez, Hugo González and Javi Galán. The midfield consists of Ilaix Moriba, Javi Rueda, Yoel Lago, Williot Swedberg, Javi Rodríguez, Hugo Álvarez, Andrés Antañón and Hugo Burcio.
Up front, Iago Aspas and Ferran Jutglà will be the references, supported by Pablo Durán, Jones El-Abdellaoui and debutant Couhaib Driouech. This selection reflects the squad's depth, allowing Giráldez to rotate while maintaining competitive standards. Fans can check the full squad data on our squad page.
The match against Real Sociedad is the first of three games in seven days for Celta, who then host Getafe at Balaídos on Sunday 6 September.
