Philippe Clement: Leon Balogun broke bone, ‘bad injury’ in Rangers v Livingston
Philippe Clement has stated that Leon Balogun sustained a “bad injury” in Rangers’ 3-0 victory against Livingston and may have a facial fracture.
The Gers manager confirmed the latest blow to the squad after the final whistle on 3 February. The Nigerian international defender became a concussion withdrawal in the first half at Ibrox following a clash of heads.
Danilo previously missed six matches in all competitions with a broken cheek bone, and the Brazilian is now out with a knee injury in one of a host of absences for the Light Blues, but Clement says Balogun hopes so.
According to Clement, the damage is severe and likely caused by a broken bone in his face. On the plus side, he is a warrior and has prior experience with such situations.
“He believes he can return quickly with a mask, so I hope that is the case. The medical professionals must make that decision.”
Balogun blow latest in nightmare fitness run for Rangers
In terms of injury luck there seems to be no such thing at Ibrox, with Balogun hurt in a freak accident that could happen at any time.
Rangers don’t have a lot of centre-back choices, and the 35-year-old was left out of the updated Europa League roster after Clement changed Michael Beale’s original selection, so he won’t get a chance.
He will undoubtedly want to return as soon as possible to play in domestic games, with a title fight well and firmly on after
another win and two more missed points for Celtic following their draw against Aberdeen.
The Light Blues are already without Danilo, Abdallah Sima, Kemar Roofe, Kieran Dowell, and Ben Davies, so losing Balogun for any period of time is quite detrimental.
If he can return wearing a mask, it will undoubtedly be beneficial; nevertheless, if there is any risk of concussion, he cannot be pushed back.
Even with the January window acquisitions, numbers are limited in some areas, so losing more to injury is the last thing this team needs to disrupt its momentum as the season comes to a close.
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