Rangers coach provides fitness update on Leon Balogun ahead of St Johnstone clash

Speaking at Friday's pre-match press conference, Rangers manager Philippe Clement provided a fitness update on three of his players, including Leon Balogun, ahead of his side's League Cup second round clash versus St Johnstone.

The defending champions are targeting a place in the quarterfinals of the competition but could be without the services of the Nigeria international, with the Belgian football tactician informing reporters that the experienced central defender is doubtful to return to action. 

Balogun was not called up for Rangers' loss to Dynamo Kyiv in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League due to fitness issues. 

The 36-year-old felt something towards the end of the league game with Motherwell a week ago but managed to play through the pain barrier and completed the game. 

Balogun is third choice in the pecking order of central defenders at the Light Blues, behind John Souttar and summer signing Robin Pröpper.

"Ridvan will be out. I don’t like to say too much in detail but it will be around four and six weeks, something like that," Clement stated. 

"Scott Wright has a smaller problem, probably will not be available and Leon Balogun is still a doubt, and the rest will be fit."

Balogun  logged 136 minutes from a possible 270 in all competitions prior to his spell on the sidelines. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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