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Nigerian defender Leon Balogun
Rangers head coach, Philippe Clement, has revealed Nigerian defender, Leon Balogun, will return to training this week.
The 36-year-old versatile defender has played a more important role for the Gers this season than he did in the last, adding more minutes under his belt.
Balogun last played for Philippe Clement’s side in their 2-1 UEFA Europa League loss to Manchester United, where Cyriel Dessers scored a late equalizer, only for Bruno Fernandes to nick a stoppage-time winner.
The former Brighton and Hove Albion man was withdrawn at half-time at Old Trafford and hasn’t played any minute for the record SPFL Champions since then.
Ahead of Rangers’ Scottish Cup tie against Queens Park, the club coach revealed the injury conditions of the players in the first team, with Balogun included. Rangers lost the game to Queens Park by a lone goal.
“Oscar Cortes will still be a few weeks. We have a few ones who will come back short term. So, like I said, Danilo will be back normally next week.
“I expect a week after Dujon Sterling and Leon Balogun to be back. Ridvan is back already in training. Leon King is also back in training after his conclusion, and the others, it’s a little bit longer. I don’t want to put one week on it because I don’t want to force my medical staff into a corner,” the Belgian gaffer said in quotes revealed by Rangers Review.
The veteran defender has made it clear that he’s still available to compete with the Super Eagles of Nigeria if the opportunity surfaces.
With his return poised for next week, a quick return to full fitness could increase the chances of a call-up for one of Nigeria’s evergreen defenders.
In 19 games for Rangers this season, Balogun has scored one goal and provided one assist across all competitions.
