Real Madrid 19-year-old prospect could receive first senior call-up vs Celta Vigo | OneFootball

Real Madrid go into tomorrow’s game against Celta Vigo with several notable absences, much of which are in the defensive department.

The centre-back department, in particular, has been hit hard with Eder Militao and David Alaba ruled out through injuries and Dean Huijsen suspended. Moreover, Raul Asencio is returning after missing the last match due to a neck sprain.

And, as alluded by Alvaro Arbeloa during his press conference, it could pave the way for someone from Castilla to earn a call-up to the squad list for the trip to Balaidos.

Lamini Fati set for first-team opportunity?

And, according to AS, Lamini Fati is close to receiving his first call-up with the Real Madrid senior team.

Joan Martinez and Victor Valdepenas have been the Castilla players Arbeloa has turned to in the absence of first-team defenders, but the La Fabrica pair is also out sidelined.

Lamini Fati could earn his first senior call-up for Real Madrid. (Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)

This opens the door or 19-year-old Fati, who is rated very highly at Valdebebas.

Born in Hortaleza, Fati developed at Union Adarve before making bigger steps in his career. From Leganes’ reserve team he moved to the Juvenil A side at Real Madrid in January 2025, before breaking into Castilla this season, where he now competes for minutes.

A left-footed defender standing around 1.84m tall, he is described as a “rock” and a “powerhouse” by those within the club. He combines speed, physical strength and good ball control, making him a very complete defender.

Areas for improvement remain, particularly positioning and defensive line discipline, but Real Madrid see great potential in Fati. And he could get his first chance in the senior setup tomorrow.