Rangers boss sets timeline for Leon Balogun’s return

Rangers head coach, Philippe Clement, has revealed Nigerian defender, Leon Aderemi Balogun will return to training this week, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 36-year-old versatile defender has played a more important role for the Gers this season than he did in the last, adding more minutes under his belt.

Balogun last played for Philippe Clement’s side in their 2-1 UEFA Europa League loss to Manchester United, where Cyriel Dessers scored a late equalizer, only for Bruno Fernandes to nick a stoppage-time winner.

Leon Balogun 27 of Rangers receives treatment during the Europa League match between Manchester United and Rangers at Old Trafford, Manchester, England on 23 January 2025. [Photo Credit/ Imago].

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The former Brighton and Hove Albion man was withdrawn at half-time at Old Trafford and hasn’t played any minute for the record SPFL Champions since then.

Ahead of Rangers’ Scottish Cup tie against Queens Park, the club coach revealed the injury conditions of the players in the first team, with Balogun included.

“Oscar Cortes will still be a few weeks. We have a few ones who will come back short term. So, like I said, Danilo will be back normally next week.

“I expect a week after Dujon Sterling and Leon Balogun to be back. Ridvan is back already in training. Leon King is also back in training after his conclusion, and the others, it’s a little bit longer. I don’t want to put one week on it because I don’t want to force my medical staff into a corner,” the Belgian gaffer said in quotes revealed by Rangers Review.

Manchester, England, 23rd January 2025. Leon Balogun of Rangers during the UEFA Europa League match at Old Trafford, Manchester. [Photo Credit/ Imago].
The veteran defender has made it clear that he’s still available to compete with the Super Eagles of Nigeria if the opportunity surfaces.

With his return poised for next week, a quick return to full fitness could increase the chances of a call-up for one of Nigeria’s evergreen defenders.

Leon Balogun of Rangers celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the William Hill Premiership match at Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow UK. [Photo Credit/ Imago].
In 19 games for Rangers this season, Balogun has scored one goal and provided one assist across all competitions.

 

Adefolahan Guerreiro

Adefolahan is a multilingual journalist and writer at Soccernet Nigeria. With a track record of involvement in College sports, Adefolahan is focused on crafting engaging football content and utilising his language skills and extensive sports knowledge to enhance content accessibility for a global audience. He has interviewed Nigerian stars like Finidi George, Junior Lokosa, and Abraham Onahi Ogbu.

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