Sol Bamba fails to meet up with Hibs’ training camp
Sol Bamba is likely to miss Hibernian’s opening Europa League qualifier on 29 July after the defender failed to join the club’s training camp in Holland.
The Ivory Coast international was granted extended leave, having been at the World Cup – where he did not play. (Photo: Bamba has been with Hibernian for two seasons)
But he did not show up on Monday as manager John Hughes had requested.
“It is frustrating that we will now enter the European arena without one of our experienced players,” Hughes told the Edinburgh club’s website.
Hibernian say they have not heard from the 25-year-old central defender, who has one year of his contract to run at Easter Road.
“I’m disappointed that Sol has chosen not to join up with the squad,” added Hughes.
“I’m sure that many people will feel let down by his failure to attend the training camp.
“We have shown Sol a great deal of flexibility over the last year.”
Having played two friendlies in Holland already, Hughes had hoped to field Bamba against Ado Den Haag on Wednesday evening.
Despite the setback, the manager remains optimistic ahead of the Europa League meeting with either Maribor or Videoton later this month.
“The boys who are here have demonstrated fantastic commitment so far and we are totally focused on our opening match,” he said.
“I’m delighted to be working with a great bunch of professionals, and the spirit in the camp is brilliant – I can assure everyone that nothing will be allowed to distract us as we prepare for this vital match.”
Bamba, a former trainee at Paris St Germain, moved to Scotland with Dunfermline and made the switch to Easter Road in the summer of 2008 after a proposed transfer to Watford fell through.
Troubled by a knee injury, he was an unused substitute at the World Cup, having featuring throughout the African Cup of Nations earlier in the year.
BBC News
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