Rangers manager Philippe Clement reveals that striker Abdallah Sima will be ruled out “long term” with a thigh injury sustained with Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Rangers manager Philippe Clement has revealed that striker Abdallah Sima will be ruled out “long term” with a thigh injury sustained with Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations.
The 22-year-old, on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion, has impressed in front of goal for the Gers so far this season, scoring 15 goals in 33 appearances across all competitions.
However, the Senegal FA have confirmed that Sima will return to Rangers after picking up his injury in training, and the statement has warned that the striker may face a “long period of unavailability”.
Sima has been ruled out of the rest of AFCON having not played a single minute for holders Senegal, who have won their opening two group-stage matches of the tournament held in Ivory Coast.
Rangers boss Clement hopes to have a full update on the severity of Sima’s injury after Wednesday’s Scottish Premiership clash with Hibernian at Easter Road.
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“I expect to have more news today, tomorrow at the latest, from my medical staff and I always listen to them and not other people,” the Belgian told reporters on Tuesday as quoted by Sky Sports News.
“So ask me this question after the game and then I will have the information.”
Asked if there are any signs to suggest that Sima has sustained a significant injury, Clement added: “It will be long term. That is also why I want to have the right information.
“Like I always say, I want to look at the glass half-full, I don’t want pity or disappointment.
“The team and squad has proven they always stand up when something happens and other players do the job and there have been really positive surprises that way so we are going to look for solutions and other surprises.”
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The potential long-term absence of Sima could force Rangers into the transfer market – Wolverhampton Wanderers loanee Fabio Silva is the club’s only arrival at Ibrox so far this month.
Rangers have recently been linked with Nordsjaelland midfielder Mohamed Diomande, but Clement refused to be drawn on speculation.
The Gers boss said: “I don’t speak about many rumours because there has been how many, 50 names in the last couple of weeks?
“If you start to talk about one rumour you need to talk about the other rumours and then I am only busy about that and not making training any more or looking at players or talking to my own players, so I never do that.”
Rangers currently sit second in the Scottish Premiership table, eight points behind leaders Celtic who have played two games more, while Clement’s side have also progressed to the Scottish Cup fifth round and to the last 16 of the Europa League.
