Celtic have confirmed their 25-man squad for next week’s Champions League playoff against Kairat Almaty, and there’s a notable omission.
The Japanese defender, signed for £250,000 from Albirex Niigata earlier this summer, is not part of the group registered with UEFA. The move raises further expectations that the 23-year-old could be heading out on loan before the end of the window to continue his development.
Rodgers still has the option to register two additional wildcards before Tuesday at 11pm, but as it stands, Inamura’s absence is one of the headline decisions.
In contrast, several of Celtic’s new arrivals have made the cut. Kieran Tierney, Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, Ben Nygren, Shin Yamada and Callum Osmand are all included as the club look to navigate their way past the Kazakh outfit and into the group stages of Europe’s top competition.
Another summer signing, Marco Tilio, has also missed out as his move to Rapid Vienna inches closer. The Australian winger is expected to seal a switch to the Austrian Bundesliga side before the end of the month.
There’s no place either for Jota, who remains sidelined with a long-term injury and is not expected to feature in any European ties this season.
The squad includes a mix of experience and youth, with Kasper Schmeichel, Callum McGregor and James Forrest providing a steady core. Meanwhile, the inclusion of younger talents like Simpson-Pusey, Osmand and Yamada reflects Rodgers’ intention to freshen up the side for the campaign ahead.
Celtic host Kairat Almaty in Glasgow on Wednesday before travelling for the return leg, with progression vital to securing the financial and competitive boost that comes with Champions League group stage football.
