Hibs have today revealed that defender Sol Bamba has failed to turn up for pre-season training. The Ivory Coast defender was given extended leave following the exploits of the Elephants in the World Cup. The 25-year-old was due re-join the squad at their pre-season training camp in Holland on the 19th July, 2 days ago. So far there has been no contact from the player, and he will now be excluded from the Hibees Europa League games against either NK Maribor or Videoton. Contact with players representatives also failed to uncover his whereabouts or when the player will arrive back with the club. An angry John Hughes, speaking to the official club website, said: "I'm disappointed that Sol has chosen not to join up with the squad. 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 and it's frustrating that we will now enter the European arena without one of our experienced players. "Having said that, the boys who are here have demonstrated fantastic commitment so far and we are totally focused on our opening match next Thursday. “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 first match." Bamba is currently a wanted man, with a number of clubs chasing his signature. Paris St Germain, Fulham, Liverpool, Rennes, Monaco and Middlesbrough have all been credited with an interest in the Hibs man.
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