Rangers defender Leon Balogun has been given a timely World Cup boost as the injury he sustained against Hibs in midweek is not as bad as first feared.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst spoke to the media on Friday and gave an update on the Nigerian’s injury and explained that “Leon had a scan which was very positive so the injury isn’t bad,” [Rangers].
This is great news for both Rangers and Nigeria as the player will be available for vital games in the coming months.
Leon Balogun injury boost is good news for Rangers and Nigeria
The 33-year-old missed Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign at the start of the year due to an injury he picked up against Hibs in the League Cup semi, and in turn, missed all of Rangers’ festive schedule.
There were fears that when the player went off after only 14 minutes in the 2-0 victory on Sunday that we were seeing déjà vu, thankfully the news is good.
With the Ibrox side facing a crucial three-month spell in which glory can be won on three fronts, it is vital we have a squad that is injury-free so rotation can be utilised when needed.
Balogun will also want to be fit and ready for Nigeria’s World Cup playoff tie against Ghana in March, aiming to make up for the disappointment of missing AFCON.
The defender has already experienced one World Cup, featuring in every game as Nigeria was knocked out at the group stage at Russia 2018.
There isn’t a grander stage for any player and Balogun will be aiming to lead his country to a third consecutive World Cup appearance, as it could potentially be an international swansong for him.
Meanwhile, Rangers are now second favourites to win the title following analysis from FiveThirtyEight.
