Celta Vigo defender Carl Starfelt is facing the possibility of missing the upcoming World Cup with Sweden after being diagnosed with a herniated disc, according to the club’s medical team.
The 30-year-old Swedish center-back will not play again for Celta this season, and his participation in the World Cup is now in serious doubt. He has been struggling with a herniated disc in the L5-S1 region of his lower back, and his recovery has not progressed as quickly as hoped.
According to Celta’s medical staff, a mild lower back pain that Starfelt initially suffered turned into a herniated disc after he played in an international match for Sweden. Since then, he has undergone conservative treatment, including medication, physiotherapy, spinal distraction techniques, and several epidural infiltrations—the most recent of which was administered this week.
Despite some positive signs, Starfelt has not yet been able to train naturally on the pitch. “He still has limitations for activity on the field,” the club explained.
As a result, the decision has been made to consult neurosurgeon Pedro Mata, a leading specialist in spinal surgery based in Madrid. “We are currently waiting to assess the response to the latest epidural infiltration while maintaining conservative treatment measures. In an estimated two to three weeks, we will evaluate his progress and, depending on the outcome, consider the possible indication of surgical treatment,” Celta stated.
With his club season already over, the biggest question is whether he will be fit to represent Sweden at the World Cup. As things stand, his participation is highly uncertain.