Javi Galán and Pablo Durán are fit for Celta Vigo's LaLiga season opener this Saturday after recovering from their injuries. Both players received medical clearance this week and are now training normally with the squad, giving manager Claudio Giráldez a key boost ahead of the trip to Mestalla.
Pablo Durán's recovery from surgery on his left shoulder instability on May 27th has been faster than expected. The midfielder accelerated his rehabilitation timeline and is ready for the start of the competition. Meanwhile, Javi Galán suffered a low-grade muscle tear in his left rectus femoris exactly one month ago during the first preseason friendly in Braga. His progress has also been positive, and he will be available for the match.
The availability of both players means Claudio Giráldez has virtually his entire squad at his disposal for the opener. Only Borja Iglesias arrives with less than two weeks of specific preparation, following his involvement in the World Cup final. With Galán and Durán back in the group, the manager gains options on the left flank and in midfield.
The news comes at the perfect time, just days before the trip to Valencia. Giráldez can plan for the match with the certainty of having two important players for his system. Galán's presence provides depth and experience on the wing, while Durán adds dynamism and ball recovery in the center. This reinforcement arrives before an initial stretch of the schedule that includes several key fixtures, as seen on our fixtures page.
Celta Vigo's preseason has been focused on this league debut. The team has worked to fine-tune its physical and tactical condition under Giráldez's orders. Galán's injury in the Braga friendly was a setback, but now overcome. The sky-blue team approaches the new season with ambition, aiming to improve on last campaign's mid-table finish in the standings. The addition of players like Iglesias, albeit with less match sharpness, also adds quality to the project.
The return of Durán and Galán is a relief for the sporting direction. Both are considered important pieces in the manager's scheme. Their reintegration into competitive rhythm will be gradual, but their mere presence in the matchday squad is already positive. The immediate objective is to take the first points at Mestalla and start the season on the right foot, capitalizing on the fact injury absences have been minimized at the decisive moment.
