Rangers head coach Philippe Clement has provided an update on the fitness of defender Leon Balogun, confirming that the veteran center-back is expected to return to training next week.
The 36-year-old has played a more significant role for the Gers this season, featuring more regularly than in the previous campaign.
The CB at full time during the Scottish Cup semi-final match between Rangers and Heart of Midlothian at Hampden Park.` (Photo by Rob Casey/SNS Group via Getty Images)
His last appearance came in Rangers’ 2-1 UEFA Europa League defeat to Manchester United, where Cyriel Dessers scored a late equalizer before Bruno Fernandes secured a stoppage-time winner.
Balogun was withdrawn at half-time at Old Trafford and has not featured for the Scottish giants since.
Providing an update on his squad’s injury situation following their 1-0 defeat to Queen’s Park, Clement confirmed Balogun’s progress along with other injured players.
“Oscar Cortes will still be out for a few weeks. We have some players coming back in the short term. Danilo will be back normally next week.
Rangers Manager Philippe Clement and Leon Balogun during a training session at the Rangers Training Centre. (Photo by Alan Harvey/SNS Group via Getty Images)
“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,” Clement told Rangers Review.
The Light Blues have progressed to the last 16 of the Europa League and remain in contention for domestic silverware, though they are currently 13 points behind Celtic in the league standings.
Balogun, who has made 19 appearances for Rangers this season, contributing one goal and one assist, recently told Brila.net that he remains open to representing the Super Eagles if called upon.
With his return to full fitness imminent, the experienced defender could boost his chances of earning a recall to the Nigerian national team.
Rangers will look to bounce back when they face Hearts away on February 16, with Cyriel Dessers expected to be in action for the Gers.
