Leigh Griffiths’ Celtic future in doubt as he misses France trip

Striker returned from lockdown in poor physical condition

Leigh Griffiths returned from lockdown in poor physical condition and has been given a personal fitness plan to follow. Picture: SNS

Leigh Griffiths will be absent from Celtic’s travelling party for this week’s mini-tour to France after it emerged the striker has not even been at the club’s pre-season camp at Loughborough University.

It is understood the player returned from lockdown in poor physical condition and he has been given a personal fitness plan to follow while his team-mates continue their preparations for the new season with games against Nice, Lyon and Paris Saint-Germain.

Manager Neil Lennon has been publicly supportive of Griffiths in the past but will feel badly let down by the player on this occasion ahead of a potentially historic season for the club. Celtic kick off their Premiership campaign three weeks today against Hamilton Accies as they bid to win a record tenth successive title.

Griffiths, who turns 30 next month, was given leave of absence to focus on mental health issues two seasons ago when Brendan Rodgers was in charge.

The club have confirmed Griffiths won’t be included in the squad that will play their first match on Thursday against Nice at Lyon’s Groupama Stadium. He will meet up again with the players on their return from France and have his fitness re-assessed.

But the news is bound to increase speculation about his long-term future at the club.

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