NEW Bhoy Vakoun Issouf Bayo has been left out of Celtic’s squad for the Europa League double-header against Valencia – with UEFA rules leaving Brendan Rodgers with a dilemma, as CQN reported last week.
The £2million Ivory Coast international striker was one of four signings made by the Hoops boss in last month’s transfer window.
Right-back Jeremy Toljan arrived on loan deal from Borussia Dortmund on deadline day to join Timothy Weah, from Paris Saint-Germain, and West Brom’s Oliver Burke who had joined on temporary transfers earlier in the month.
The Scottish champions are permitted to add three new faces to their squad for the knock-out stages, so Rodgers had to make a massive decision before the ties against the Spanish cracks a week on Thursday at Parkhead and seven days later at the Mestalla.
Bayo played in the Europa League qualifying stages for Slovakian club Dunajska Streda, but rule changes this season mean he is not Cup-tied.
However, the powerful frontman has not played a competitive game since December 8 and the ties against Valencia have come too early for him as he continues to work on his match fitness.
Burke and Weah have hit the ground running since arriving scoring five goals between them, while former German Under-21 defender Toljan made his debut in the 2-0 win over St Johnstone on Sunday.
