Philippe Clement gives Leon Balogun Rangers injury update before Scottish Cup Final
Rangers manager Philippe Clement is hoping he’ll be able to call on Leon Balogun against Celtic in the Scottish Cup Final on 25 May.
The Belgian mentioned the centre-back amongst several other players following his side’s 3-3 draw with Hearts at Tynecastle in their final match of the Scottish Premiership season.
Clement’s side faces Celtic in the Scottish Cup decider for the first time since 2002 but lost to their Old Firm rivals 2-1 just one week ago at Parkhead in a result which all-but sealed the title.
Speaking post-match to the Rangers Review, Clement said: “We will see if Leon Balogun can be fit again.
“it is difficult for me to plan the starting 11 and what players are going to make it. We need to assess with the medical and performance staff.”
A follow-up question on John Lundstram’s availability was met bluntly: “I never discuss my teams before games, which makes it a little bit difficult for my colleagues.”
Balogun fitness could be crucial for Rangers at Hampden Park
Rangers go into their Scottish Cup Final clash with Celtic off the back of Premiership form so inconsistent that it effectively handed the title to the Hoops, and an Old Firm record this season that does not bode well going into a fifth meeting.
The previous four matches between the two Glasgow rivals have all come in the league, and have seen the Gers win just one point from an available 12.
That solitary point came at the death too, notching two late equalisers in a 3-3 draw at Ibrox, with Celtic winning the other three matches by one-goal scorelines.
Three tight defeats and a draw suggest that there’s not much between the sides, but three Celtic wins are still wins – showing that in the big games, the Hoops may well have Rangers’ number.
On numbers, Clement has his fingers crossed that Balogun, and several other players such as Abdallah Sima and Razvan Yilmaz, will be fully fit to start at Hampden Park on 25 May.
Amidst below-par defensive performances from veterans James Tavernier, Connor Goldson and Borna Barisic, Balogun has been solid as a rock since returning to Rangers, and with his contract expiring this summer, keeping Celtic at arm’s length would be the best possible way for the 35-year-old to earn a new deal at Ibrox.
In other Rangers news, Michael Stewart shared an instant transfer claim on BBC Sportsound after Celtic won the Premiership title.
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