Scottish Premier League side Rangers FC have been dealt an injury blow with Nigerian defender Leon Balogun ruled out of action with injury.
The 36-year old went down injured minutes into the game and was replaced by Robin Propper in the 19th minute, as the Light Blues were defeated 2-1 by St Mirren in a dent on their title aspirations.
Speaking in an interview after the match, Rangers head coach Philippe Clement expressed concerns over Balogun’s injury but did not give a timeframe for how long he will be ruled out.
“I don’t know yet, to be honest.“I didn’t have time to speak about that,” Clement was quoted by Herald Scotland. I had other things to speak about in half-time and after the game also.
So, I didn’t ask that one because I know the doctor will say he needs to make an assessment tomorrow. So, we will focus on that tomorrow.”
The loss at the St Mirren Park increased league leaders Celtic’s lead to twelve points after they had earlier thrashed Motherwell 4-0.
“Now we have to focus on changing this game, what the team did in the second half. But then we need to finish it off also. Like I said before the game, you make a rotation to avoid these things”, the Belgian coach added.
We cannot make more rotations than we did the last couple of weeks, but I don’t know what the situation will be with Leon. But it’s never a good sign if a player comes off in the first half. Also, as a team, it’s never good.”
The former Queens Park Rangers center-back has made 17 appearances in all competitions this season for the Scottish giants which is just two shy of his total appearances for the previous season and his injury is a big blow to the Light Blues as they look to close the gap on Celtics.
Shina Oludare is a distinguished sports journalist and managing editor, renowned for his comprehensive coverage of African football. His dedication to elevating African sports on the global stage has earned him widespread respect, along with numerous accolades for his contributions. A graduate of the LaLiga Business School in Madrid, Oludare’s passion for sports and his influential work in African football journalism have established him as a leading figure in the industry.
