Aribo reveals the reason for his drop in form earlier this season

Joe Aribo has revealed that the injury he suffered at the start of the season affected his performance as he quickly rushed himself back to fitness.

Aribo picked up an ankle injury in Rangers 3-0 win over St. Johnstone. The clash was just the third game of the Scottish Premiership season.

The Nigerian was out of action for two months, and he also missed Nigeria’s international friendly games against Algeria and Tunisia.

Aribo returned in October, but his performance dropped, and he has now revealed that it was due to his eagerness to come back quickly.

“I tried to get ahead of myself,” Aribo said per Daily Record ahead of Rangers Europa League second leg encounter against Royal Antwerp. “It was my first long-term injury, and I thought I could just come back and get up to speed straight away.

“I knew I had to bide my time in the end, but I just wanted to get back playing and be at my best straight away.

“But it’s been more of a journey rather than just getting to the finishing line straight away.”

Aribo form has improved recently, scoring in Rangers last two games. The 24-year-old scored in the first leg of Rangers Europa League clash against Royal Antwerp, which ended in a thrilling 4-3 victory in favour of Steven Gerrard’s men.

Rangers host the second leg on Thursday, and Aribo is looking forward to another big European night at the Ibrox, even though fans won’t be present.

“To play European football is a big stage, and it’s always nice to be involved in these kind of fixtures. It’s like the cherry on the icing,” Aribo added.