Rangers: Leon Balogun and Ben Davies injury news emerges v Hearts
Joshua Barrie has shared that both Leon Balogun and Ben Davies could return to the Rangers squad to face Hearts after featuring for the B team on Monday 19 February.
Both players had missed spells with injuries in recent weeks, and now appear to be back in contention, with Davies having made the bench against Ayr United and Ross County, while Balogun made the squad at St Johnstone.
However, with neither having made a return to the on-field team since their injuries, John Souttar has been tipped to retain his place alongside Connor Goldson in the starting XI.
Speaking to The Rangers Review [20 February], Barrie shared: “It’s good to have the options there. Obviously, Balogun played for the B team yesterday, as did Ben Davies, so there are a few more options there, but I’d be tempted to keep John Souttar in at the moment.
“I’d be inclined to keep him in at the moment. There is the option that Balogun could rotate back in whenever possible, and he’s obviously playing with a mask so that will be a consideration as to when he’s back in the starting XI.”
Leon Balogun or Ben Davies to return for Rangers v Hearts?
The likelihood is we will see Souttar keep his place, having performed admirably since he was called upon to return to the lineup in the absence of his teammates.
Philippe Clement confirmed ahead of the clash with Ross County that Balogun had returned to training with a protective mask to shield his face, and that will still come into consideration when selecting his starting lineup v Hearts.
It was also shared that Davies was back in contention for a return from injury ahead of the Scottish Cup clash against Ayr United, and he made the bench as he did against Ross County, but was left out for the St Johnstone game.
Both are likely to be fit for the game, but the likelihood of a start is slim, although an appearance from the bench depending on the circumstances of the game could be on the cards.
In other Rangers news, Chris Sutton has fired a new Ibrox jibe.
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