Rangers handed ‘Major’ John Souttar and Leon Balogun injury update v Fenerbahce
John Souttar and Leon Balogun are involved in a significant Rangers injury update as they face Fenerbahce on Thursday.
The two centre-backs have struggled with injuries this season, but a major update has dropped ahead of the Gers’ clash against Jose Mourinho’s team in the Europa League on 6 March.
Barry Ferguson has relied on Robin Propper in his first two games in charge of the Light Blues, but the Dutch defender has been underwhelming for most of the season.
The European competition looks like the only chance for the Bears to lift silverware this season, and they will need their best players available to arguably have the best chance of going all the way.
Souttar and Balogun will be involved in Rangers clash v Fenerbahce
Souttar and Balogun may form the foundations of the Rangers defence against Fenerbahce, Keith Jackson says.
The Daily Record journalist suggested that the two centre-backs could potentially start for the Glaswegian outfit at the Ulker Stadium on Thursday.
| Player | League appearances (2024/25) |
| Souttar | 16 |
| Balogun | 14 |
Jackson has revealed that Souttar and Balogun have defied the medical science team’s recommendations and made themselves available for the Europa League fixture.
Speaking on Hotline Live (4 March), the journalist said: “Major boost for interim boss Ferguson is that both Balogun and Souttar have put their hands up already in defiance of the medical science to make themselves available for selection.
“I’d be surprised if they don’t make the foundations of the Rangers defence against Fenerbahce.”
Ferguson needs Souttar and Balogun v Fenerbahce
James Tavernier and Propper started against Motherwell as Rangers lost 2-1 at home on Saturday (1 March).
The defensive partnership let Ferguson down in the first half at Ibrox, and the interim boss made an immediate change at the break by bringing on Balogun.
Philippe Clement was finally starting to turn things around at the Light Blues before facing injury issues in the backline, which eventually became one of the reasons for his sacking.
The Gers’ defensive frailties have been evident under Ferguson as they have gone two goals down in their last two matches.
It would be surprising to see Tavernier and Propper start for the Glaswegian outfit as the centre-back pairing in Turkey.
The Light Blues are 16 points behind Celtic in the Scottish Premiership and are unlikely to beat their Old Firm rivals to the league title.
It isn’t realistic to think that the Gers can go all the way in the Europa League considering their inconsistent performances this season, but they have already shown their worth against the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham in the competition.
Souttar and Balogun will certainly give the Bears a better chance of qualifying for the next round.