As Celtic’s defence got decimated by PSG on Tuesday night, manager Brendan Rodgers would have been left ruing his failure to strengthen at the back during the summer transfer window.
Celtic did try to, though, as they were a successful medical away from landing South Africa international and new Mamelodi Sundowns centre-back Rivaldo Coetzee.
The Hoops medical team discovered a broken bone in the ankle of the 20-year-old, and that effectively ruled out a move despite terms already agreed between both clubs.
Rodgers is now set to make do with his injury-weakened central defence until at least January, while Coetzee left Ajax Cape Town for another local club.
The highly-rated defender still hopes the chance to leave for Europe returns in the nearest future, but has revealed his surprise at the failed Celtic move.
Coetzee told reporters at his unveiling with his new club: “As far as I can tell, they said it’s a broken bone. I don’t know exactly what bone. I was [surprised].
“I have twisted my ankle a couple of times, so I have had problems with it. I have been strapping it but I did not know that it was this serious.
“I was upset when they told me what happened. To think I have been playing with it for quite a while only to find out at the last minute that there is something wrong.
“But I just have to keep my head up. Hopefully the opportunity [to go overseas] will come again.
It remains to be seen if the Scottish giants will return for the South African signature in January, but should they remain in Europe by then, Rodgers could be keen to further bolster his defence in the hopes of taking a big shot at the Europa League title.
