Leon Balogun: ‘Huge concern’ at Rangers after injury development
Leon Balogun has caused “huge concern” at Rangers after his injury compounded a dismal day against St Mirren on Boxing Day.
The veteran centre-half prevented a potential opening goal within the first quarter of the game but was forced off with an injury which Michael Stewart described as “serious trouble”.
Stewart, live on Premier Sports coverage of the contest [26 December], rued how damaging the injury looked as Philippe Clement’s side went on to lose in the dying embers of injury time, a first league defeat since 30 October.
“Oh my word … I mean, huge concern for Rangers … Balogun’s done,” Stewart said.
“Leon Balogun has defended that situation quite incredibly, considering it looks like he’s perhaps done his Achilles or his calf.
“Fair play to Balogun there, as I say, it looks like it could be his Achilles. Whatever it is, you can see he’s in serious trouble. His game’s over.”
Rangers suffer heartbreaking defeat and lose Leon Balogun
Following Balogun’s limp from the field during the first half of a disastrous day in Paisley, Rangers will almost certainly be in the January market for a centre-half.
It simply has to be the priority, as part of the major squad rebuild which is likely to continue into next month’s winter window after a busy summer of recruitment and departures.
With John Souttar out following a tremendous run of form which had inspired Gers to become a solid unit, and Neraysho Kasanwirjo also sidelined, Clement is almost out of options.
Robin Propper has had a shaky start to life in Glasgow and is now one of the manager’s only fit defensive options, and emergency procedures must now be taken by he and Nils Koppen to expedite the arrival of a capable defender.
There is no time to dwell on the heartbreak for the Light Blues – whose fans have suffered more than their fair share of that particular footballing emotion. A trip to Motherwell closes out the calendar year on Sunday [29 December], before the opening days of the transfer window coincide with a titanic Old Firm clash at Ibrox [2 January].
In other Rangers news, Stephen McGowan gives an interesting reason for Jack Butland’s error for St Mirren’s opener on Thursday.
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