Honduras manager Reinaldo Rueda has called for the situation around Luis Palma’s lack of minutes for Celtic to be resolved.
The 24-year-old has struggled to stake a convincing claim on a spot in the Hoops’ starting XI this season, due to a combination of injury and having to contend with his teammates being in blistering form.
Palma has been recovering from an ankle knock picked up in the opening game against Kilmarnock, and has played just 36 minutes so far this season. He was on the bench for both of Celtic’s 3-0 wins over St Mirren and Rangers, with Brendan Rodgers favouring Daizen Maeda, James Forrest and Nicolas Kuhn.
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Speaking to the press ahead of Honduras’ CONCACAF Nations League tie with Jamaica on Tuesday, Honduras boss Reinaldo Rueda was asked whether Palma would start. He said: “Luis is recovering; it’s not easy for him, for me, for you [the press] or the fans.
“Palma has this extra weight [on his shoulders] because he’s playing in a very glamorous league.
“But it’s the reality – [Palma has gone] from February to September without playing five consecutive games. He’s not the same. For the player it’s not easy to understand, or for you [the press] - the fans even less so. This is the situation, and we need to figure it out.”
Rueda also called on the Honduran press to help ease the burden on Palma within the national team. “You have to help me take the pressure off Palma,” he said. “Palma won’t save the team. We play without Palma and without Choco [team captain Anthony Lozano] as well. You need to leave them in peace, and they will perform because they are professional and committed.”
Palma assisted for Edwin Rodriguez’ goal in Honduras 4-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago at the weekend, bringing the forward’s assists tally up to an impressive nine in nine games under Rueda.
The 24-year-old signed a five-year deal with Celtic last summer from Greek side Aris FC for a fee of £3.5 million.
With the domestic schedule ramping up and the return of Champions League football in just over a week's time, Palma will be hoping to give Brendan Rodgers something to think about.
