Rangers player Nnamdi Ofoborh has reacted on Instagram after Steven Gerrard revealed the reason for his absence from pre-season activity.
The Gers agreed a pre-contract deal with the former Bournemouth midfielder in January when his Dean Court contract entered its final six months.
He then endured an injury-hit loan spell at Wycombe Wanderers, before reporting to Auchenhowie for pre-season.
The 21-year-old was snapped in the gym on the first day back and supporters expected to see him given game time in early fixtures against Partick Thistle and Tranmere Rovers.
However, he didn’t make the squad for either game and hasn’t featured in any training galleries from pitch sessions.
RangersTV matchday host Emma Dodds asked Steven Gerrard for an update on Oforborh’s situation after the 2-2 draw with Arsenal on Saturday and the Gers boss revealed some concerning news.
“I don’t think you’ll see him in the short term,” he said. “Unfortunately something has flagged up with his ECG, which is the heart test.”
“Unfortunately there’s been a bit of a red flag with a heart issue so he’s going to see some specialists in the coming weeks and we need to do more tests before we move forward. It’s disappointing and frustrating but we’ll have to manage and cope.
“Of course it is disappointing and frustrating for the player but I spoke to him yesterday, told him to keep smiling and be patient and we will do everything we can to support him, get him in front of the right people and the right support and hopefully he will be back, not too long.”
On Sunday evening, Ofoborh took to social media for the first time since the revelation, with his post giving an insight into his mindset.
The former Cherries talent posted a photo from the dugout at Firhill in which he’s sat alongside Gerrard and captioned it: “God has a purpose for your pain, a reason for your struggles and a reward for your faithfulness. God is the only reason I’ve made it this far. I will be back. 24.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CRef1dEMzCz/
This is a really tough blow for a young player to take, particularly so soon after completing a big transfer.
However, it’s clear that Ofoborh is trying to stay upbeat and everyone connected to the club will be hoping that a positive solution is found after he meets with the specialists.
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