Leon Balogun

Leon Balogun to miss crucial Old Firm clash as Rangers chase Scottish Premiership title

Sportsdunia DeskPublished on: 10th May 2024 03:18 PM

Despite winning 4-1 over Kilmarnock in the playoffs, Rangers suffered a major blow in the game as the club had to replace defender Leon Balogun. The 35-year-old has been in and out of Philippe Clement’s squad this season, making only 18 appearances so far. However, Balogun has played both of Ranger’s playoff games so far but the club are in trouble now.

The only reason the Nigerian international was doing so was that Connor Goldson is out injured while Ben Davies, John Souttar, and Leon King have struggled for form of late. But Balogun has done comparatively well as the center-back although reports have indicated that he could miss the next game. The Gers face Celtic in a crucial Old Firm derby and with Rangers only three points behind Celtic, it’s a big clash for them.

Balogun to miss Old Firm derby as Rangers chase league title

However, Football Scotland has reported that Balogun’s injury has forced him off the team sheet for now as the defender is likely to miss the Old Firm derby. The Rangers star has been playing in place of Goldson recently but thanks to his knock, Ben Davies is reportedly set to get a chance. That was confirmed by Clement in his pre-match press conference although he only said that Balogun is doubtful.

It does give the Rangers boss another headache to deal with especially as Goldson has been ruled out for the remainder of the season. That combined with the fact that the Gers are still three points behind Celtic with only a few games left, does mean that he’ll have a tough time navigating things. Clement also lamented the fact that Ryan Jack is not fit enough with Alex Lowry also in the same boat.

“No, nothing new, only Leon Balogun is doubtful. Not sure yet if he will be available or not, we’ll see him tomorrow. The rest, Connor Goldson is still out, Ryan Jack is still not fit enough, he took some minutes with the 18s to get with them again after a long-term injury, and Alex Lowry was the same. Oscar Cortes, Rabbi Matondo, Abdallah Sima, and Danilo still out so it’s quite a list,” Clement said, reported Football Scotland.

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