Leon Balogun absence explained as Rangers transfer chances dealt a blow by QPR stand in boss

The centre-back has left Loftus Road fans concerned after missing the friendly against Livingston.

Queens Park Rangers interim boss Paul Hall has shot down the chances of Leon Balogun rejoining Rangers after Michael Beale's move back to Ibrox sparked Loftus Road fan concerns.

The towering defender has missed the friendly fixture against Livingston following Beale's departure from the English Championship side, with QPR fans speculating he could be following Steven Gerrard's former assistant north of the border and return to Ibrox. Balogun was an ever-present at Rangers under both Gerrard and Gio van Bronckhorst before injuries hampered the final six months of his spell in Govan.

He missed out on the Europa League final showdown in Seville before the Dutchman opted to allow the 34-year-old to leave Ibrox, with summer additions of John Souttar and Ben Davies, as well as Connor Goldson extending his stay in the Scottish Premiership. However, injuries have plagued the Gers backline this term sparking theories that a move back to Glasgow was on the cards.

Before leaving QPR, Beale stated the defender had picked up a "minor calf injury" before the Championship campaign was brought to a halt for the World Cup. It was expected to be a short-term absence, leading to concerns the centre-back snubbed the behind closed doors action in favour of a transfer.

However, Hall told West London Sport that the defender has not yet returned to training. He insisted that they would not rush the Nigeria international ahead of their return to league action against Burnley later this month.

When asked about the absentees against David Martindale's men, he said: “They were just not ready at this moment and it just a case of working them back fit and hopefully they will be ready to return to training in the next few days. I just need to get these boys all ready for that game (against Burnley), that is what I have been asked to do."

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