Rangers CB Balogun returns to full training but awaits medical green light to return to action

Rangers have been handed a boost before their Scottish Premiership match against Motherwell, with three defenders including Leon Balogun returning to full training. 

The Nigeria international has not featured for the Light Blues since picking up an injury in the first half of a Europa League game against Manchester United on January 23.

Since then, the central defender has not been available for selection in seven straight matches across all competitions.

With Balogun not in the squad, Rangers have struggled defensively, having conceded eight goals while posting just one clean sheet and have been knocked out of the Scottish FA Cup.

Speaking to reporters at Friday's pre-match press conference before the visit of Motherwell, Rangers' interim boss Barry Ferguson confirmed that Balogun trained with the squad on Friday and is now awaiting medical clearance to be named in the matchday squad. 

At the start of his press conference, Ferguson was asked to provide a squad update and he responded: "John Souttar trained today, Dujon and Balogun trained today as well so I just need to wait and see the kind of reaction that they have after the training session.

"It's good to see them back with the squad. As you know we are pretty light defensively but I'll obviously touch base with the doctor and the medical team.”

This season, Balogun has made nineteen appearances across all competitions, starting twelve times, scoring once, and providing an assist – both contributions coming in the same match against Aberdeen.

The 36-year-old recently stated that he has not called time on his international career, offering his services for Nigeria's decisive 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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