Alan Hutton and Michael Stewart spot Leon Balogun with ligament issue v Hearts in new Rangers injury blow
Alan Hutton and Michael Stewart spotted Rangers defender Leon Balogun potentially suffer a ligament issue against Hearts.
The centre-back blocked a goalbound effort from Hearts man Toby Sibbick in the 33rd minute of the Scottish League Cup semi-final clash between the sides.
Hampden Park played host to the match on Sunday (5 November), with Balogun needing treatment on his knee before returning to the pitch.
“He’s rocked his knee. It’s a good block initially from Balogun, it’s his medial ligament isn’t it?” Stewart said live on Viaplay Sports (15.33, 5 November).
Hutton replied: “Yes it looks like it’s hit him just on the end of the toe, and then there’s a possibility that he’s tweaked that ligament. He looked like that’s what he was holding.”
Worry?
It remains to be seen exactly how significant the issue is with Rangers defender Balogun, who bravely carried on at Hampden.
He has barely been used in his second spell at Ibrox following his summer return, with the defender making just three appearances so far this season before the meeting with Hearts.
But the veteran clearly represents a solid option for new manager Philippe Clement when he needs someone experienced to call upon in defence.
In good news for the man in the dugout, Balogun swiftly returned to the pitch after receiving treatment for the issue against Hearts.
He then played on for some time before being withdrawn by his boss in the 77th minute of the clash at the national stadium, replaced by fellow centre-back Ben Davies.
Given Balogun’s lack of minutes this season, it may have been a tactical switch from the manager, but it might have been that the central defender was feeling some pain in his knee.
In other Rangers news, a journalist has spotted something that could “go a long way” for one “beleaguered” Gers player.