Celtic coach John Kennedy has revealed that new signing Kolo Toure will play no part in his side's upcoming friendly against Barcelona.
The 35-year-old completed his move to Celtic Park on Sunday, reuniting with former Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers following his release from Anfield at the end of last season.
However, the veteran Ivorian is still working his way back up to match fitness and will not feature against the Spanish champions, although he could make his debut for the Hoops in their Champions League clash with Astana next week.
"It's pretty much the same squad we had in Astana. Kolo is still working fitness-wise so he also stays back to do some extra work. It's still a bit early for him to play in tomorrow's game. We will look at that again and assess that on Monday. It depends how he comes through the next few days [whether he can face Astana next week]. If he shows his fitness levels are good enough he is an option," Kennedy told reporters.
"Erik [Sviatchenko] won't travel over. We'll see how he is in the next couple of days. It's better for him to stay at home and get some treatment. Mikael Lustig hasn't travelled either. That's just a precaution. Right now we just have to go with what we've got. The majority of the squad are here and most will take part against Barcelona.
"We just have to deal with tomorrow and see how everybody comes through. We've got Kolo in the back of our minds and that is why he has stayed behind to work. Come Sunday we can assess everybody and see where we're at. We are short defensively, though. There's no question about that. We just have to make sure whatever we put on the pitch against Astana is strong enough to win the game."
Celtic drew 1-1 with Astana in the first leg of their Champions League third qualifying round tie on Wednesday.
Barney Corkhill
