Rangers suffer another injury blow v Kilmarnock ahead of Celtic Old Firm derby
Philippe Clement has confirmed that Leon Balogun was forced off injured for Rangers at half-time of their 4-1 win over Kilmarnock on Sunday 5 May.
The Nigeria international started alongside John Souttar in the centre of defence in the absence of Connor Goldson, who has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.
But Balogun was taken off at half-time and replaced by Ben Davies at Ibrox, and the manager confirmed, via Four Lads Had A Dream (5 May), he was withdrawn due to a “small muscle injury” in a blow ahead of next Sunday’s Old Firm clash with Celtic at Parkhead.
Rangers injury curse strikes again ahead of Celtic showdown
It’s been a horrendous season for Rangers so far on the injury front, and if Clement wants to win the title at the first time of trying he will have done it the hard way.
Goldson is joined by Danilo and Oscar Cortes as being ruled out for the rest of the campaign, while Rabbi Matondo and Abdallah Sima could return before the season ends but are unlikely to return before Celtic.
Ryan Jack and Ridvan Yilmaz are training but both are unlikely to be able to complete 90 minutes in the biggest game of the season, so Clement needs minimal disruptions in the week leading up to the game.
Thankfully for Rangers and for Clement, Davies came off the bench and managed to find the back of the net in his first appearance for a while and Souttar also found the net meaning they’ll be heading into the game full of confidence.
That is needed in a game where the stakes are so high and the atmosphere will be so hostile, but losing a player of the experience of Balogun who is in good form is a major blow.
In other Rangers news, one pundit has told the club it’s now or never for them to sign one “outstanding” SPFL talent.
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