Atletico Madrid outcast expected to get chance against Celtic as competitor makes long-awaited return to training

It’s safe to say that Javi Galan has made a tough start to life at Atletico Madrid. Having joined from Celta Vigo in the summer, the 28-year-old has yet to start a single match for his new side, with Yannick Carrasco and then Samuel Lino being preferred by Diego Simeone for the left wing-back position.

However, that could change on Wednesday when Atletico make the trip to Glasgow to take on Celtic in the Champions League. Lino suffered a knee injury against Celta at the weekend, and has been ruled out of the match, with Diario AS saying that Galan is expected to start in his place.

Pressure will be on Galan to take his opportunity, especially given that Reinildo Mandava has now returned to full training for the first time since February, when he suffered an ACL injury against Real Madrid. The Mozambique international will be afforded time to get up to speed, so Galan should have the chance to cement himself beforehand.

Alternatively, Simeone could opt to play Rodrigo Riquelme at left wing-back against Celtic, as he has played there ahead of Galan on multiple occasions so far this season. Should that happen, you’d have to question Galan’s future at Atletico Madrid, especially with Reinildo coming back.