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“We have to analyse the risk” – Big call to be made on first choice player says Gerrard

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Down but not out…completely. That is the general state of play as far as Leon Balogun is concerned after he limped off the pitch last night. 

It was another eventful evening for the Nigerian internation who is in terrific form at present, topping another assured display with the opening goal for his team as he powered home a header from James Tavernier’s corner. From that point, Rangers never looked back to secure their first points of this Europa League campaign.

Late into the second half, there was a collective groan across Ibrox as Balogun walked off gingerly and it was clear that his night was finished.

Initially, it appeared to be some sort of upper leg problem which was confirmed by Steven Gerrard at today’s pre-St Mirren press conference – he went on to state that there is a hamstring issue but it is not as bad as first feared, with the first choice central defender having an outside chance of making the trip to Paisley on Sunday.

Further defensive frailties are a source of concern to all at Rangers with the mid-term injury to Filip Helander and the unconvicing form of Jack Simpson. Last night, it was Calvin Bassey who finished the game alongside Connor Goldson at the heart of the Gers backline.

Earlier today, Gerrard confirmed to Rangers TV, a repreive of sorts and that Balogun still had a chance for Sunday when he stated:

“We’ll give Leon every chance for the weekend, he’s not ruled out just yet” 

“We will assess him as the day goes on and try and get him recovered. I’d still say he has an outside chance but we will need to analyse the risk – we will make a late decision on that one but it is probably a 50/50 from where we stand.”

It could well be that the St Mirren game comes too soon after Thursday evening and the niggle carried by Balogun and as intimated by the manager above, the risk assessment will determine whether or not he is involved this weekend.

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