Greg Taylor was left out of PAOK’s squad against Dynamo Kyiv on Thursday due to a personal issue.
The ex-Celtic defender had reportedly been set to start in the Europa League qualifier, which was played in Lublin, Poland due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
However, sources in Greece say that Taylor reported a personal matter to manager Alessio Lisci, which meant that he was “unable to focus on the match”.
It’s important to note that there is no suggestion that this is linked to Taylor’s comments on a potential return to Celtic last week.
Would you take Greg Taylor back at Celtic?
Greg Taylor pulls out of 3-2 PAOK win vs Dynamo Kyiv
Greek outlet Ta Nea report that Taylor “Informed the day before the match that he did not feel able to play, as he was dealing with a personal issue that did not allow him to have the necessary concentration for the game.”
Jonathan Gomez took his place, making his first competitive appearance for PAOK since December 2024.
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Taylor had begun pre-season as PAOK’s first choice left-back, with competitor Baba Rahman’s preparation delayed by his involvement in the World Cup.
The two-time Hoops treble winner made 18 appearances in his first season in Greece, largely operating as a back-up to Rahman.
After the news that Marcelo Saracchi won’t be returning to Celtic, the club now desperately need reinforcements in that department.
Kieran Tierney is the only senior recognised left-back in the squad; his well-documented fitness issues make depth in the position a necessity.
James Penrice, also a Scot playing in Greece, has been linked with Celtic this week as well as Dundee United’s Will Ferry.
Asked last week on Charlie Mulgrew’s Pitch to Par whether he would consider returning to Scotland, Taylor said: ““Pfft… yeah, again in football, you never say with anything.
“Celtic’s an amazing club, but I’ve got two years left at PAOK, and I want to make that be a success there.
“But who knows. I would never say no to anything. I would be open to everything.”
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