Rangers have not had their injury issues to seek this season and a fresh problem has cropped up this evening.
Leon Balogun made it just 18 minutes through his side’s clash with St Mirren in Paisley before he was forced off with an issue to what looked to be his Achilles.
Initially it appeared that the Nigerian had suffered a hamstring problem as he raced back to defend as Toyosi Olusanya hared in behind the Gers defence in an attempt to attack Jack Butland’s goal.
But as Balogun so often does, the 36-year-old was somehow still able to block the striker’s move and clear the ball expertly.
Unfortunately, at that moment, the versatile centre-half hit the deck and clutched his ankle with a serious look of pain painted on his face.
The medics would take him off the field as he looked to try and shake it off but Robin Propper would eventually be subbed onto the pitch to ensure the backline was at full strength in terms of fitness.
And the frustration was clear to see on Balogun as he hobbled back into the changing room at the SMiSA Stadium.
Leon Balogun was forced off vs St Mirren
Balogun may be on the older side but he has consistently proved himself to be a vital component of Philippe Clement‘s defence.
And depending on the severity of the injury, he could potentially miss massive games which would leave Gers light at the back.
The remainder of the St Mirren fixture will be followed by a clash with Motherwell at Fir Park on Sunday with the matches coming thick and fast.
How many games are to come before Celtic at Ibrox?
But it is the following clash – at home to rivals Celtic – on January 2 where the Light Blues could certainly be doing with having Balogun back fit and ready to go.
It could be a massive crunch six-pointer where the Scottish Premiership title race is concerned and Clement will want his entire squad to choose from.
Gers are in fine form right now and have reduced the points gap before Celtic played earlier this afternoon.
