The start of Rafael Benitez’s tenure at Celta Vigo has been anything but smooth, with his team languishing in the relegation zone a quarter of the way into the season. Their woes have been compounded by the recent devastating injury to star defender Joseph Aidoo, who suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon. Aidoo has undergone surgery and is facing a lengthy 6-7 month recovery period, which means his return to the pitch might be limited to the tail end of the season. Benitez now finds himself with a threadbare squad of just three natural central defenders, and this challenge is exacerbated by his frequent use of a five-defender formation this season.
Assuming the mantle of responsibility in Aidoo’s absence are Unai Nunez, Carlos Dominguez, and Carl Starfelt. Oscar Mingueza, who boasts central defense experience, could also play a crucial role in shoring up Celta Vigo’s defense. In an interview with Diario AS leading up to Celta’s fixture against Atletico Madrid, Benitez acknowledged the gravity of Aidoo’s injury and its impact on the team. He highlighted Aidoo’s speed and ability to solve defensive quandaries, making him an invaluable asset in certain matches.
Benitez’s contemplation about potentially signing a free agent is a testament to the club’s predicament. He noted, “For now, we’ll make do with the center-backs we have while keeping an eye out for any available options. However, I’m not too inclined toward players who are currently unattached. We’ll strive to make our existing trio of center-backs last as long as possible, and then assess the situation in January.” The prevailing sentiment in Galicia is that Celta Vigo may resist signing another central defender during the January transfer window, although this stance could be subject to change, given the team’s performance and circumstances at that juncture. It’s worth mentioning that Aidoo had been a stalwart in Celta’s defense last season, even though he has seen limited action under Benitez this season.
Celta Vigo’s Predicament: Navigating Aidoo’s Absence and the Quest for Victory
Celta Vigo finds itself in a precarious situation with their linchpin, Joseph Aidoo, sidelined due to a severe Achilles tendon injury. Known for his speed and defensive acumen, Aidoo’s absence has left a significant void, especially in matches where his influence was pivotal. With the team managing just a single victory so far this season, Rafael Benitez faces the daunting task of stabilizing Celta Vigo’s defense and reviving their fortunes.
The injury setback has left Benitez with only three natural central defenders – Unai Nunez, Carlos Dominguez, and Carl Starfelt – to shoulder the defensive responsibilities. The versatile Oscar Mingueza might also be called upon to plug the gaps. In the wake of Aidoo’s injury, the prospect of signing a free agent has been broached, with Benitez acknowledging the need for potential reinforcements.
However, Benitez maintains a cautious stance on signing players currently without a club. The prevailing inclination within the club is to persist with the existing options, at least for now. As the season unfolds, the performance of these center-backs will be closely monitored, and the club’s decision regarding potential new recruits will be subject to the evolving circumstances. The challenge at hand is formidable, but Celta Vigo remains determined to navigate the hurdles posed by Aidoo’s absence and ascend from the relegation zone.
