Explained : Super Eagles center back Balogun's exclusion from QPR matchday squad

Super Eagles central defender Leon Balogun has been omitted from Queens Park Rangers' matchday squad in their Championship clash against Luton Town at Loftus Road on Thursday evening.  

This is the fifth match in a row that the former Rangers man has not received a call-up to the Hoops, having missed previous games against Coventry City, Burnley, Preston North End and Cardiff City. 

Balogun's omission from recent matchday squads has nothing to do with his form but fitness issues instead.

Queens Park Rangers boss Neil Critchley explained that the Nigeria international is still recovering from an undisclosed ailment, hence his exclusion from the squad list. 

Speaking pre-match, Critchley told the official webpage of QPR  : "Stefan Johansen and Leon Balogun will be back soon.

"Both are making progress and they are two quality players so we will be delighted to welcome them back in to give me even more of a selection problem."

Balogun has not figured for Queens Park Rangers in a competitive game since November 8 when he played the entirety of the first half against Huddersfield Town. 

On a positive note, Nigeria-eligible midfielder Luke Amos has recovered from injury and started on the bench against Luton Town, while Aston Villa loanee Tim Iroegbunam and Olamide Shodipo were named in the starting lineup. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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