The ongoing absence of Nnamdi Oforborh from Rangers’ pre-season activity is concerning following his injury woes on loan at Wycombe Wanderers last season.
The Gers confirmed a pre-contract agreement with Ofoborh during the winter transfer window, but instead of remaining at Bournemouth until the end of his deal there, he went on loan to Wycombe for a second time in search of first-team minutes.
He initially slotted straight into the team but then seemed to slip down the pecking order, first moving to the bench before dropping out of matchday squads entirely.
Speaking after the end of the season, the 21-year-old revealed that he’d been struggling with an injury, but hoped to be back to full fitness in time for pre-season at Rangers.
Late last month, Ofoborh posted on Instagram stating that he was excited for ‘this next chapter’ and he was then snapped in the gym at Auchenhowie on the first day of pre-season, so everything appeared to be going to plan.
However, the powerful young midfielder didn’t make the travelling squad for the fixtures against Partick Thistle and Tranmere Rovers and he’s been absent from several training galleries.
Given that the start of the new season is now only a few weeks away, it’s concerning for Rangers fans.
After playing less than 500 minutes of football last season, Oforborh was already going to be up against it competing for a place in midfield with established internationals, and the more of pre-season he misses the harder his task will become.
The signing of John Lundstram has bolstered Steven Gerrard’s options in the middle of the park but with Glen Kamara not yet back following Finland duty at Euro 2020 and neither Ryan Jack nor Scott Arfield fully fit, the Gers still currently look a little light in that area.