Brendan Rodgers confirms Celtic trio absence ahead of FK Suduva clash

Brendan Rodgers has provided updates on the fitness of Dedryck Boyata, Odsonne Edouard and Jack Hendry ahead of Celtic's Europa League playoff first leg meeting with FK Suduva.

The Hoops were knocked out of the Champions League last week at the hands of AEK Athens to set up a tie with the Lithuanian champions, who overcame Latvian outfit Spartans Jurmala 1-0 on aggregate.

Rodgers confirmed that all three players will not feature in the first leg, which takes place in Marijampole on Thursday evening.

"[Boyata] has a problem with his back that he struggled with last week," the Northern Irishman told BBC Sport. "Overall his fitness, in terms of being ready to come in, isn't there.

"If he doesn't feel right, and this is what we're gauging him on, then I can't afford to play him. I need the players who are going to be physically and mentally right for us because they're really important for us.

"Edouard is still recovering. He's working well and it'll probably be the beginning of next week. Jack Hendry played with a really sore ankle at the weekend and isn't available for the game."

Craig Gordon, however, is expected to return in goal after being rested for Saturday's Scottish League Cup win at Partick Thistle.