Leon Balogun was substituted off the field due to injury during halftime of Rangers’ 4-1 victory over Kilmarnock on Sunday, May 5, according to Philippe Clement.
In place of Connor Goldson, who will miss the remainder of the season due to a knee injury, the Nigerian international began the game in the center of defense alongside John Souttar.
However, Balogun was substituted for Ben Davies at halftime at Ibrox, and the manager acknowledged, via Four Lads Had A Dream (5 May), that he was pulled out because of a “small muscle injury.” This was a setback ahead of Sunday’s Old Firm match at Parkhead against Celtic.
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Rangers’ injury situation has been atrocious thus far this season, and if Clement hopes to win the championship on his first try, he will have had to overcome great odds.
Danilo and Oscar Cortes have also been ruled out for the remainder of the season, along with Goldson. Rabbi Matondo and Abdallah Sima may return before the season is out, however they are
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.
Fortunately for Clement and Rangers, Davies scored his first goal after coming off the bench, and Souttar also hit the back of the net, so they will go into the match full of confidence.
That is necessary in a match with such high stakes and an antagonistic atmosphere, but losing a player with Balogun’s level of experience and form is a serious setback.
