Rangers hosted Arsenal in a special pre-season friendly to commemorate their 150 years legacy. Steven Gerrard deployed most of his options in a 2-2 draw, however, the gaffer has ruled out new signing Nnamdi Ofoborh for an indefinite period due to a heart issue.
It’s a massive blow for the Gers but a bigger setback for the youngster who earned this massive opportunity of representing the Glasgow giants. The 21-year-old midfield prodigy was roped in from Bournemouth back in the winter on a pre-contract agreement and the Bears had to pay a minuscule development fee to secure his services.
The former Nigeria U20 international was an exciting inclusion for the upcoming campaign. But his absence sparked speculation which has now been explained by the gaffer while speaking to Rangers TV (as quoted by Sky Sports).
“I don’t think you’ll see him in the short term. Unfortunately something has flagged up with his ECG, which is the heart test.
“Unfortunately there’s been a bit of a red flag with a heart issue so he’s going to see some specialists in the coming weeks and we need to do more tests before we move forward.”
Ofoborh And His Injury Woes
Ofoborh progressed through the youth ranks of Bournemouth but is remembered for his midfield masterclass with Wycombe Wanderers. He was on loan for the 2019-20 season and played a key role in the Chairboys’ first-ever Championship promotion. The Nigerian returned to Adams Park earlier this year as he was no longer in the Cherries’ plans. An injury forced him to stay sidelined in the decisive games and he saw the minnows losing the survival battle on the final matchday.
“I was struggling with an injury when I got to Wycombe on loan last season. In the last few months, it just got worse. It got to a point where I didn’t feel it was right for the coaches to put me in.”
The player revealed last month as he did not want to jeopardise his Rangers future. But the recent development has now put his career under serious threat.
We saw Christian Eriksen collapsing against Finland not too long ago. The heart ailment is something that has taken lives on the football pitch and the Gers have taken the correct stance by not involving Ofoborh anymore in pre-season training. It’s indeed frustrating for the young ace but he must understand the fact that nothing is more important than his health. It is to be seen now whether the Light Blues step up the Joey Veerman chase to add more balance in the middle of the park.
