Rangers hammer blow as Balogun delivers major Souttar update

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·15 December 2024

Rangers hammer blow as Balogun delivers major Souttar update

Rangers have unofficially confirmed the worst news before today’s Old Firm showdown, that John Souttar is out of the showpiece occasion v Celtic at Hampden.

Speaking before the massive clash, defender Leon Balogun admitted he will be starting the match ahead of Souttar, and with manager Philippe Clement coy on the Scotland international’s chances, the possibility of ex-Hearts man Soapy being in the XI is close to 0%.

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Meaning Dutchman Robin Propper, decent in Europe but heavily struggling domestically, is likely to partner the Nigerian at the back to face off v the lethal strikeforce Celtic boast.

It’s a blow, for sure – Clement already knows right now whether Souttar is available, and information aside Balogun’s comments is very negative unfortunately, that Souttar is out and will be out for some time.

Balogun himself said:

“To be honest I expect to start actually. Especially now with seemingly John (Souttar) being out for I don’t know how long, but if you come off like that usually that’s not so great. Soutts has been very good for in recent weeks especially, he’s been a monumental part for us. So I hope that we don’t have miss out or he doesn’t need to miss out for long.”

Big Leon basically, sadly, saying it as it is – the likelihood is Souttar will miss the rest of the year and probably something into January too.

His injury couldn’t have come at a worse time.