Rangers Manager, Phillipe Clemente already SWEATING and must be regretting some statement he has made against Celtic as one of his key player is now out injured and it means……

Rangers manager Philippe Clement is facing an anxious wait to discover the extent of Leon Balogun’s injury after the defender was forced off with a suspected calf or achilles injury during the club’s Boxing Day Premiership clash against St Mirren.

Balogun, who started the game in place of injured mainstay John Souttar, went down in some distress clutching his ankle after 18 minutes following a tussle with Toyosi Olusanya deep inside his own half. He was replaced by Robin Propper, with next best alternative Leon King watching on from the main stand at the SMiSA Stadium.

The injury to Balogun is a significant blow to Rangers, who are already without Neraysho Kasanwirjo for several months. Premier Sports pundit Michael Stewart believes that Balogun’s injury will ensure that January reinforcements are “a definite” when the transfer window opens in six days’ time.

Clement already started Dujon Sterling out of position at left centre-half against St Mirren, and Stewart argued that short-term cover is a must, saying: “I’d be astonished if he isn’t already highlighting that to Nils Koppen and saying ‘we need to get someone in short-term to cover that position.'”

Rangers have not had their injury troubles to seek this season, and veteran defender Balogun has proved himself to be a vital component of Clement’s backline in recent months. The club’s medical team allowed him to try and shake off the injury, but the player’s frustration was etched across his face as he hobbled down the tunnel for treatment.

Balogun’s injury will be a major concern for Clement, who will be hoping that the defender’s absence is not a long-term one. With the New Year Glasgow derby against Celtic looming, Rangers will be eager to get Balogun back to full fitness as soon as possible.

In the meantime, Clement will have to rely on his squad’s depth to navigate the busy festive period. The Rangers manager will be hoping that his team can bounce back from their disappointing defeat to St Mirren and pick up some much-needed points in their upcoming matches.