Celta Vigo coach reveals issue slowing down Aldrine Kibet's progress
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 02.02.26. | 21:03
The move continues an impressive upward trajectory for the 18-year-old, who has already represented Kenya at U18, U20, U23 and senior level
Celta Vigo U19 head coach Fredi Álvarez has shed light on what is slowing the progress of Kenyan midfielder Aldrine Kibet, revealing that the highly rated youngster is managing a knee injury that has affected his training rhythm.
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Kibet joined Celta Vigo in July 2025 from Spain’s Nàstic Sports Academy and was immediately integrated into the club’s U19 side, where he has featured regularly in league matches.
Over the weekend, the midfielder took another important step in his development after being named in the Celta reserve team squad for a Third Division league match.
Although he did not come off the bench, the call-up marked a significant milestone in his rise at the club.
The move continues an impressive upward trajectory for the 18-year-old, who has already represented Kenya at U18, U20, U23 and senior levels.
He made his Harambee Stars debut two months ago in an international friendly against Equatorial Guinea.
However, Álvarez confirmed that a knee problem has been curtailing Kibet’s ability to train at full intensity and urged patience as the player works through the issue.
“He’s dealing with a knee problem, which is bothering him in training, and he’s not training completely smoothly yet.
We have to have patience and stay calm, because I think he’s a player who can give Celta many glorious afternoons.”
Despite the setback, the coach was full of praise for the quality Kibet has shown since arriving at the club, noting that he made an immediate impression.
“I think he really stands out. In the first days when he arrived, he attracted a lot of attention in terms of his level and his ability.”
Álvarez also expressed confidence that Kibet’s progression to the first team and ultimately LaLiga will not take long, pointing to his familiarity with Spanish football, language and culture as key advantages.
“I think Kibet’s adaptation will be a bit simpler and easier than that of the others because he’s a guy who has already been in Spain, who already knows the language and more or less understands us. So I think it will be a little easier for him. But we all expect a lot from him.”
It remains to be seen whether Kibet will complete a full transition into the reserve side in the coming months or continue his development with the U19 team as he regains full fitness.
