After failing to make it into the Champions League group stage for three straight seasons, it is clear that Celtic would want to change it this time around and play in Europe’s elite competition once again.
In that quest, they appear to have received a blow. Odsonne Edouard looks set to miss at least the opening qualifying round and possibly even more.
As reported by The Scottish Sun, he looks set to be a part of the France squad for the upcoming Olympics in Japan.
Although his performances have been a bit underwhelming for the Hoops this season, the striker has been brilliant for France under 21s and is their record goal scorer at that level. His international U21 manager, Sylvain Ripoll, is taking charge of the French team for the Olympics and is believed to have assured him of a place in Japan.
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What does this mean for Celtic’s Champions League hopes?
He would easily miss two matches, and even more if the French team progress to the latter stages of the tournament, which is likely. The Olympics’ knockout phase runs through to August 7 while Celtic will be hoping to still be involved in the Champions League qualifiers at that time and beyond.
In the past, the Hoops have tried to hold on to players till later in the transfer window to ensure they remain available for the European qualifiers. With limited recruitment time in the hands of a new manager, there may have been a need to rely on Edouard in those matches. But it looks like that won’t be an option.
Edouard is expected to leave the club at the end of this season but it is very possible that a deal might not be stuck before the Olympic Games are over. Let’s just hope that the club are able to bring in a replacement or two before the Champions League qualifiers are underway.