He is back!

Incredible but true: for the first time since he arrived at the Stade Rennais, Onyekachi Apam is part of the squad for an official game of his “new” club. A huge surprise for a player who has been slowly returning to training over the last weeks, finally rid of his knee issues, and who was only able to take part in a full sessions a few days ago.
Although it is unlikely that the Nigerian defender will start his career with the “Rouge et Noir” at Celtic Park, his presence in the squad sounds like a strong sign, a true reward after sixteen month of nightmare.

Meanwhile, no less than twenty-three players will for the trip to Glasgow, including several men just returning from injury. Injured to the adductors in Toulouse on Sunday, Jean-Armel Kana-Biyik will be one of them, even though it is likely that Antonetti will do his best to preserve him and avoid “the” real blow. It is therefore likely that Mangane and Mandjeck will start at centre back on Thursday evening.
Also returning is Romain Danzé, who should be able to pretend to a place on the pitch at Celtic Park, as well as – more surprisingly - Jirès Kembo, whom the manager said he would rest until the international break. The French-Congolese could be watching the game from the stands however. As Frédéric Antonetti called five more forwards, including once again youngster Abdoulaye Sané.

Finally, the only notable absences are those of John Boye, Yacine Brahimi, and Stéphane Dalmat. The latter, who has only played in one of the last six games played by Stade Rennes, is suffering with his thigh. He will be rested this week as he was last week-end in Toulouse.

Stade rennais FC

- Goalkeepers : Costil, Diallo, N’Diaye
- Defenders : Apam, Danzé, Foulquier, Jebbour, Kana-Biyik, Mangane, Mavinga, Théophile-Catherine
- Midfielders : Doumbia, Féret, Mandjeck, M’Vila, Pajot, Tettey
- Forwards : Boukari, Hadji, Kembo, Montaño, Pitroipa, Sané

• Injured : Boye (thigh), Brahimi (ankle), Dalmat (thigh)
• Suspended : n/a
• Manager’s decision: Kandji, Doucouré, Issah, Rouger, Diarra