Greg Taylor a reported doubt for Celtic trip to Rennes

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Greg Taylor’s chances of making his Celtic debut in Rennes are reportedly hanging by a thread.

According to the Scottish Sun, the left-back will have a fitness test on Monday before the Hoops squad fly out to France. This comes after he didn’t make the squad to face Hamilton at the Fountain of Youth Stadium yesterday.

Instead, Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo continued his run as Celtic’s first-choice left-back against Accies. Given the confidence that appears to be flowing through the Belgian, that was no surprise.

However, it’s fair to say that there was a slight surprise Taylor didn’t make the squad at all yesterday. He didn’t feature for Kilmarnock against St Johnstone just two days before he secured his Parkhead move either, however.

And, with the trip to Rennes coming up, it’s highly doubtful as to whether he’ll be chosen for that one either.

Did Greg Taylor arrive with a pre-sustained knock?

It looks as though whatever problem Taylor has, he may have had it when he joined the club back on deadline-day. Former boss Angelo Alessio confirmed that he missed Kilmarnock’s win over Hamilton on August 24th due to a hamstring knock (Scottish Sun).

If that’s the case, it would perhaps be more ideal to leave him at home for now. Even if Taylor was fit, you wouldn’t expect him to start in France regardless. His last game of football came almost exactly one month ago.

Celtic have plenty of big domestic fixtures coming up. Squad rotation is going to be key in the coming weeks. Taylor could end up making his debut against former club Kilmarnock next Sunday, for example.

But even if Taylor was given the go-ahead to fly to France, you have to question whether it would be worth it. A high-profile Europa League clash against a side as good as Rennes is no time for easing in a freshly-fit debutant.

Celtic still have Jonny Hayes to cover at left-back if necessary. He may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but Hayes impressed against Valencia at the Mestalla last season in the last-32. He could still do a job if anything happens to Boli.

As for Taylor, his time will come. But if it is indeed a hamstring knock that could keep him out, it’s certainly not worth risking for now.