'You cannot play on one leg' - Rangers manager provides injury update on Balogun ahead of Celtic clash

Rangers manager Philippe Clement has not ruled out Super Eagles centre-back Leon Balogun from participating in the Old Firm derby against Celtic on Thursday at Ibrox Stadium.

The veteran defender missed the 2-2 draw with Motherwell on Sunday at Fir Park, marking the first time he has missed a league game this season due to injury.

Rangers are already confirmed to be without John Souttar, who sustained an injury during the UEFA Europa League clash with Tottenham Hotspur.

Clement has had to rely on Dujon Sterling and Robin Pröpper as his center-back pairing, even though Balogun had been fit until the Motherwell fixture, raising concerns about the Nigerian defender's lack of game time.

Speaking during his pre-match press conference ahead of Thursday's clash with Celtic, Clement admitted that Balogun has a minute chance of being named in the squad. 

Clement told reporters: "There's a very, very, very small chance that Leon Balogun can return, we will see. He did some individual work today."

When asked about the likelihood of Balogun playing, he responded: "No, because it needs to be possible to play, you cannot play on one leg.

"We always take risks and you have to do in this business but it needs to be no crazy risk that players can be out for months.

"That will not be the case with Leon but we will see if he's ready or not."

Balogun has started only seven league games this season and has been an unused substitute on five occasions.

It remains to be seen how much involvement he will have in tomorrow’s match if declared fit.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid 

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com