Rangers defender Leon Balogun has been called up for the Nigerian national squad for their upcoming international matches against Ivory Coast and Tunisia.
The big centre-half started the season well for Rangers but has found himself relegated to the sidelines after a serious of niggles which have prevented the ex-Brighton man getting on the park.
But whilst Balogun might get the opportunity to add to his 33 caps with the Super Eagles, Rangers fans will have noticed that a key man at Ibrox is missing from the nation’s squad.
Joe Aribo hasn’t been seen since the 3-0 win over St. Johnstone in mid-August with the talented midfielder facing four-to-six weeks on the side-lines with an ankle knock.
The Ibrox side’s stand-out player in pre-season, Aribo’s absence hasn’t truly been felt by Rangers amid a run of good form but with high profile clashes to come fans will want him back in the side as soon as possible.
The ex-Charlton man is certainly a game-changer and match-winner but the fact he’s been ruled out of Nigeria’s two friendlies – set to take place on October 9th and 13th – will be a worry for Rangers.
It would suggest the player faces a race against time to be fit for the upcoming Old Firm match at Celtic Park on October 17th, where the Nigerian would likely play a key role.
Aribo, 24, is one of a number of players on a mounting Rangers injury list which includes Balogun, Ryan Jack, Kemar Roofe, Brandon Barker and long-term absentee Nikola Katic.
