Balde to sit out start of season

Celtic FC defender Bobo Balde will miss the start of the 2006/07 season after discovering he requires surgery for a persistent stomach muscle problem.

Operation required
The Guinea centre-back missed the last few weeks of last season with a lower abdominal muscle injury, but it was thought that a period of rest and rehabilitation would cure the problem. However, it has not responded to treatment and Balde will now have an operation on Friday. "Bobo will be out for a few weeks but it is too early at this stage to give a specific timescale," said a club spokesman. Scottish champions Celtic will enter the UEFA Champions League in the group stage.