Leon Balogun was left out of Brighton & Hove Albion’s matchday squad that defeated Crystal Palace 2-1 in Saturday’s English Premier League clash at Selhurst Park despite been declared fit by manager Chris Hughton, reports Completesports.com.
The win was the second straight Premier League victory for Brighton in 2019 while the defeat was the eighth at home for Crystal Palace this season.
It was also the first time they recorded a double over Crystal Palace in 35 years.
Glen Murray shot the Seagulls into the lead after 19 minutes with a half volley, but Luka Milivojevic equalized for Palace with a well-taken penalty in the 50th minute.
Anthony Knockaert restored Brighton & Hove Albion’s lead with a stunning strike on 74th minutes.
The win moves Albion eight points clear of the relegation zone.
Balogun, 30, has now missed Brighton’s last five games in all competitions due to a shoulder injury he picked up in training.
Balogun last featured for Brighton in the Emirates FA Cup fourth round replay clash against West Bromwich Albion which they won 3-1.
The Nigeria international linked up with Brighton on a free contract from German side, FSV Mainz last summer and has struggled for regular playing time at club making eight league appearances so far with a goal to his name.
He has been named in Nigeria’s squad for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture against Seychelles and the friendly clash against the Pharaohs of Egypt in Asaba.
By Johnny Edward
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COMMENTS
It is a risk to include Balogun to play for Nigeria at this time. If he so good, why would his club that pay his bills not use him. Rohr is going to find out that he is not match fit. It is a waste of time extending ‘a call up’ to him now. Lets continue to use Omeruo who is playing week in and week out in Spain.
I don’t expect that he will be used for the Seychelles match. Even though we should be able to beat them with our second team, for competitive matches it’s always best to start the first 11 and then make changes as necessary to rest players, give others a chance in matches or to blood players and usually only if the score line is favourable.
As such I expect Omeruo and Troost to play or start this game. Balogun will probably be used for the Egypt game as a test, in order to look at him closer etc. Then again a footballers fortune can change in an instant. A serious injury to one of Balogun’s teammates could see him return to the starting line up. Or even he may be required if one of our SE defenders has a problem.
A wise coach will be watching the development in Brighton’s camp as regards Balogun’s wound. They have better medical facilities to assess a healing or not healing wounds. Rohr is not a dumbman not to know this. We the Nigerians Eagle’s fans are closely watching too. If Rohr should invite Balogun when Brighton has not deem him fit to play, we will tell him he is not smart. A campaign will start on this forum to sack Rohr. Amaju will hear of it and reason too. Its mine opinion.