Rangers head coach, Philippe Clement, has revealed the state of Leon Balogun’s injury after the Nigerian centre-back hobbled off at half-time in his side’s 6-0 win over Ross County, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 36-year-old defender was a doubt for the game as he was still just recovering from a knock, but without a viable option in defence, Coach Clement included the former Mainz 05 man in his starting eleven.
Rangers were awarded a corner in the 38th minute when they were already a goal up. Balogun then contested for the ball in the air but landed in an awkward manner and he looked to have injured his back and his head.
The medical staff were immediately sent onto the pitch, as is the rule for the referee to stop the game to attend to head injuries immediately.
The former Brighton and Hove Albion defender remained by his side for a few minutes. He then rose to his feet gingerly and walked off the pitch, but it was decided that he should not continue the game, with Mohamed Diomande coming on his place.
“Leon got a knock and he hurt his neck. That was unlucky because he was good in the game, and last week, he missed, so I wanted to get him into the game rhythm. I don’t think it will be a big thing for next week, so I think in a few days he will be better. It’s just his neck is blocked now,” the Rangers coach told Sky Sports.
🗣️ “Dessers] is a very important striker & for sure one of the best in the league. I hope [Matondo] continues what he is doing now… I think he is going to stay.”
Philippe Clement on Rangers’ 6-0 win over Ross County and what the future holds for Rabbi Matondo & Ben Davies ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/fZKzQSZXtd
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) August 24, 2024
The 50-year-old gaffer also hinted he might be without his summer signing, Robbin Propper, when they take on Celtic next weekend, compounding their injury problems with Oscar Cortes, Nicolas Raskin, Scott Wright and Ridvan Yilmaz all out due to injuries.
