Magomed Ozdoyev hasn't been able to make the trip to Edinburgh with the rest of Razvan Lucescu's squad.
The Russian midfielder is a recent signing for the Greek Super League outfit, arriving from Fatih Karagumruk this summer following a four-year stint at Zenit St Petersburg. But the UK authorities have not approved his paperwork, meaning Razvan Lucescu will be without the 30-year-old for the first leg of the Europa Conference League playoff clash at Tynecastle. PAOK confirmed: “Yes, Ozdoev really was not issued a visa to play in Scotland. Today we are waiting for the resolution of the situation.
It's not the first time visiting sides have had to do without one of their players due to red tape in recent weeks. Servette were left furious after Cameroonian midfielder Gael Ondoua missed their Champions League third qualifying round first leg meeting with Rangers for the same reason. PAOK will also be without Norwegian defender Ivan nesberg due to injury, while Tanzanian striker Mbwana Samatta remains a doubt after limping off during their weekend win over Astera Tripolis. Filipe Soares is another who could be unavailable due to injury.
Barrie McKay is in line to feature for the kambos after making a telling impact on his comeback from injury against Rosenborg. he said: “We showed great character to come back against Rosenborg. Now this is a chance to get to the groups. Most of the squad have played in Europe and the new players have really added quality. The end goal is group-stage football and we are two ties away from that.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Hibs and Hearts Conference League games get free-to-air billingThe cameras will be live at Easter Road and Tynecastle for the glamour ties
Read more »
Craig Halkett sets Hearts injury return timeline with Conference League hopeThe defender has turned to the fixture cards as he pinpoints a dream return to the Tynecastle first-team picture.
Read more »
Competent PAOK need not strike fear into HeartsPAOK look competent but there seems no reason why Hearts cannot carve out a first-leg advantage, writes Alasdair Lamont.
Read more »
Scottish Premiership clubs in Europe: Celtic, Rangers, Aberdeen, Hearts and Hibernian on the brink of historyCeltic go direct into the Champions League group stage; Rangers will join them if they beat PSV and drop into the Europa League if they lose; Aberdeen play BK Hacken for a Europa League spot, with Conference League action guaranteed; Hearts and Hibs are in the Conference League playoffs
Read more »
Amrabat to stay put? Moroccan World Cup star named to Fiorentina's Europa Conference League roster amid Premier League transfer interestAmid transfer interest from Premier League giants, Sofyan Amrabat has been named to Fiorentina Conference League squad.
Read more »
Ryan Stevenson urges Hearts to resist Lawrence Shankland exit temptationOur man has his say on the swirling rumours surrounding Hearts' leader and talisman.
Read more »