Rangers defender Leon King is available for Rangers’ match at Kilmarnock this afternoon, despite initially being set for a long-term absence.
The 19-year-old picked up an ankle injury in pre-season a few weeks ago, and Rangers claimed that he was set to be out for a “significant period.”
Leon Balogun rejoined the club as defensive cover, and it was expected that he would have an important part to play with King absent.
However, Michael Beale confirmed in his press conference that King is available for selection vs Kilmarnock.
“Ben Davies will miss out tomorrow. Goldson, Souttar and King are all back available so we are not short of options at the back,” the manager stated yesterday.
Should King start against Kilmarnock?
With Davies out, King could be thrown straight into the action alongside Connor Goldson. However, despite his surprise return to the squad, it does feel unlikely that he will be ready for competitive action just yet.
Balogun could start alongside Goldson in what would be a more experienced back line, and King could be eased back into the side in the coming weeks. The last thing Beale will want is for King to suffer a setback in his recovery, and given that he has stated his happiness at the options at his disposal, it would be a surprise if he is thrown straight into the action.
Ankle injuries may take some time to fully heal, and being a centre-back, the youngster may be at high risk of further injury if thrown into a physically challenging away game against Kilmarnock.
Balogun and Goldson have enough quality between them to secure three points, and ideally a clean sheet, in Rangers’ opening game, and if all goes well today, King could be eased back in at Ibrox in the side’s upcoming Champions League qualifier against Servette FC.
It is a boost to have King back in the squad, and the young defender will aim to establish himself as a key player over the course of the campaign.
