Abdallah Sima breaks Senegal injury silence as Philippe Clement hangs fire on prognosis

Rangers forward Abdallah Sima has expressed his “sadness” over a hip injury which has ruled him out of Senegal’s AFCON campaign.

The Brighton loanee, 22, has been on inspired form for Rangers this season and his 15 goals earned him a call-up to the Senegal squad.

One of the tournament’s favourites, there was a sense that Abdallah Sima was set to emerge on the international stage alongside several talented young players from the west African nation.

But with this “long period” injury sending him back to Rangers early for treatment, Abdallah Sima has now broken his Senegal silence on social media.
Abdallah Sima responds amid Senegal injury

Taking to X in a message to all of his supporters, Abdallah Sima thanked fans for their support in a devastating injury blow to everyone involved.

The Ibrox attacker also claimed his “heart” would remain with the Senegal team as they look to lift the trophy in the Ivory Coast.

“It is with a feeling of sadness that I announce to you that I will not be able to continue the competition but my heart and my strength will remain with this group who I hope will go and get the trophy for our beautiful country because they deserve it,” reads a translated version of the message.

“Thank you all for your many messages, I am determined to come back even stronger. Manko Wuti Ndamli.”

Philippe Clement waits on Rangers forward

Philippe Clement has also been speaking about the devastating injury to Abdallah Sima this weekend.

Claiming that he will wait until the forward is assessed by the Ibrox side’s own medical department, fans are hoping the problem doesn’t rule Sima out for more than the some eight games he might’ve missed with Senegal at AFCON.

”It’s always dangerous to hear those things when they happen when you’re not there,” said Clement following the 4-1 Scottish Cup win over Dumbarton.

“So I always like to hear my medical staff, what they think about things, so Abda is going to come back as fast as possible. I have been in contact with him yesterday already.

“He’s going to come back as fast as possible to make a good assessment around that and to see how long he will be out.”

Rangers signed Abdallah Sima on loan from Brighton in the summer with the Ibrox club known to be open to making the move permanent come the end of the season.

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