CELTIC made a request to the Honduran FA to limit the minutes of Luis Palma because of concerns over their pitch in their international break, according to local reports.
And Honduras boss Reinaldo Rueda revealed he then had to sub Palma off at half time in Mexico because he couldn’t cope with the high altitude of the venue.
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Palma has been lightly used by Celtic this season and has made just one league start and three substitute appearances so far this campaign.
He was on international duty this week in a rollercoaster few days where he netted a double after coming off the bench in the first leg of the Concacaf Nations League quarter finals.
But he played for only the first 45 minutes in the return leg where Honduras were crushed 4-0 and eliminated.
And reports from the Central American country state Celtic asked Honduras manager Reinaldo Rueda to restrict the amount of minutes for Palma in the home leg because of the artificial surface at the General Francisco Morazán Stadium in San Pedro Sula.
And that’s why despite being Honduras’ star man, he wasn’t brought on until the 63rd minute.
Rueda also hooked Palma at half time in the return leg at Toluca, which is 2,600 metres above sea level.
The manager explained: “Luis had a hard time with altitude previously and it was always going to be hard for him here.
“Unfortunately, the full back had the better of him and we made a change because Mexico attacked us a lot on his wing.”
The change turned into a disaster for Honduras because his replacement, Juan Carlos Obregon was so impacted by the altitude, he needed oxygen on the pitch and had to be subbed off himself as Honduras crashed to a big defeat.
After scoring during the first game of the break, Palma paid tribute to his late grandmother.
He said: “You left and you took my heart with you, Grandma.
“I thank God for lending you all these 87 years of life, where you gave me the life that any grandchild and human would have wanted.
“I love you and I will always love you. I hope to see you soon in heaven.”
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