LEIGH GRIFFITHS has been axed by Neil Lennon from the Celtic squad that will fly out tomorrow for France.
The Hoops boss is clearly unimpressed by the fitness levels of the 29-year-old striker since he returned from lockdown.
Giriffiths will miss the friendlies against Lyon, Nice and Paris Saint-Germain to remain at home to train at Lennoxtown.
The frontman also missed out on the champions’ training camp at Loughborough during the week as Lennon prepares his troops for a monumental season with the club bidding for a record-breaking tenth successive title.
A Celtic statement said: “Leigh is undertaking his own fitness programme along with some other players at Lennoxtown.
“He will team up with the squad when they return from France.”
Griffiths, who has had a turbulent couple of years due to personal issues, was on a high at the premature end of the previous campaign.
The Scotland international forward hit a sparkling hat-trick in the 5-0 Premiership win over St Mirren at Parkhead on March 7 – the last game before the game went into cold storage due to the coronavirus pandemic.
He hit eight goals in 2020 to add to the three he collected during the first half of the term when he struggled with form and confidence.
Polish frontman Patryk Klimala, who was brought in at the cost of £3.5million in January, and Ivorian attacker Vakoun Issouf Bayo will now get the ir opportunity to play alongside Odsonne Edouard.
Griffith now has a week to attempt to get up to pace with his team-mates or his future at the club could be in doubt.
