Rangers boss Gerrard confirms Super Eagles defender is available to face Malmo

Published: August 09, 2021

Glasgow Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has confirmed that Leon Balogun is in contention to be named in the squad when his side take on Malmo in the the second leg of their UEFA Champions League third qualifying round clash at the Ibrox Stadium on Tuesday night.

The Super Eagles defender missed the first leg clash in Sweden due to a suspension and was not in the Light Blues matchday squad as their 40-game unbeaten streak came to an end after a 1-0 loss to Dundee United this past weekend.

In Balogun's absence, the Scottish champions conceded two quick-fire goals in the second half but made things a bit easier for tomorrow's second leg when Steven Davies with a deflected effort halved the deficit in the 95th minute.

Gerrard inferred that Joe Aribo and Calvin Bassey are also available for selection, saying that Nikola Katić, Ryan Jack and the suspended players won't play a part against the Allsvenskan champions.

Providing a fitness update during the pre-match press conference on Monday, Gerrard told Rangers TV : "We were pretty limited last week but more positive now.

"Hagi returns to the squad, Balogun is fit and available, Sakala is fit and will be involved in the squad as is Alfredo. A real positive update. Only Katic, Jack and the suspensions missing".

Balogun has played ten games in European competitions, consisting of eight for Rangers in last season's Europa League and two in the colours of Mainz 05 in the same competition.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : rangers.co.uk

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