Neil Warnock is likely to be without Rob Hulse, Alejandro Faurlin and Bradley Orr until the middle of October – it has been revealed today.
Rangers have three games in seven days starting with Doncaster at Loftus Road on Saturday followed by a two week international break. It was hoped that Orr, Faurlin and Hulse may return from their respective injuries in time to face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park next Saturday but that now appears not to be the case.
Assistant manager Mick Jones told the Kilburn Times: “Rob's getting better but we can take our time with him. We've got a few options - Patrick Agyemang, in particular, is desperate to play. Patrick's on fire at the moment - he's smelt what's going on and he wants to be part of it. He's a great character. We can chuck him on the field at any time and we know we'll get a performance from him. Now we've got Walker, there's no need to rush Bradley back either and Ali is a tremendous player, but Akos has come into the team and done well. They'll come back when they're ready and if that isn't before the next international break, it's not a great problem. If we get to that point without them, they'll come back fitter."
Faurlin aggravated a groin injury in the win at Ipswich while Orr left the field early in the last home game against Middlesbrough. Hulse awaits his QPR debut after arriving from Derby on deadline day with a longstanding Achilles problem.
Shaun Derry, Heidar Helguson and Clint Hill are fit to play this Saturday, although Neil Warnock has revealed today that the three ageing pros are being wrapped in cotton wool during the week to ensure their participation at the end of the weeks. Warnock told the Ealing Gazette: “They get Tuesdays off if we’ve no game, Wednesdays, and they have to sit out the five-a-sides as well. They want to play in them, but right now they don’t need it, and I don’t want to take risks.”
Elsewhere Adel Taarabt has been named in the provisional Morocco squad for their forthcoming African Cup of Nations qualifier against Tanzania on October 9. Taarabt, along with Arsenal’s Marouane Chamakh, forms part of a 25 man squad of European based players selected by new Morocco manager Eric Gerets although caretaker manager Dominique Cuperly will be in charge for the game.
And Taarabt could be in line for a second successive Player of the Month award. Having scooped the August award for the Championship Taarabt and team mate Jamie Mackie have been nominated for the September prize. Watford’s Marvin Sordell, Swansea’s Scott Sinclair and Scunthorpe’s Chris Dagnall are the other contenders but Mackie must be a clear favourite for this one. Click here to vote.
Nigel Quashie is currently training with Leyton Orient, as noted on QPR Report, but there seems little chance of the player, who was released by QPR at the end of last season, signing a deal at Brisbane Road. Manager Russell Slade said: “It can be beneficial for both parties. If it's for a few days or a few weeks it's a good thing to have a fresh face in the building and have a bit of positivity rub off. Nigel is a quality player and he may be able to help some of our youngsters along the way.”
Mark Stein has been appointed as the new physio at high flying Conference outfit Crawley Town. Stein, who scored seven goals in 44 appearances for QPR in the 1988/89 season before joining Oxford, started his physio career at Barnet before Ian Hendon was sacked as manager. Crawley boss Steve Evans said: “The quality of the applicants has been excellent but Mark stood out as the outstanding candidate. We have a small management team where everyone plays a vital part and we look forward to working with him."
Crawley, who beat QPR 2-0 in a pre-season friendly early this year, are favourites for promotion to the league this season after a big summer spending spree. They are currently top of the Conference by one point from Wimbledon who they meet this evening.
Lloyd Dyer has been rewarded for his impressive form at Leicester with a new four year contract. Dyer, 28, has started 85 games for the Foxes since signing from MK Dons in 2008.
- Barnsley have added another Premiership loanee to their strike force. West Brom’s 18 year old striker Chris Wood, who featured at the World Cup in the summer for New Zealand, has joined on a three month loan. The Tykes signed Gary O’Connor on loan from Birmingham last week and he scored on his debut last Tuesday night in the 5-2 hammering of Leeds. Police continue to hold Tykes’ midfielder Nathan Doyle after a drugs raid in Derby on Monday.
- Leeds themselves have added Sunderland full back George McCartney to their defence on a one month loan deal. Manager Simon Grayson said of the Northern Ireland international: “We're delighted to welcome George. He has good experience, he strengthens the squad and gives us increased competition for places."
- Following Tottenham’s elimination from the Carling Cup earlier this week Ipswich have moved quickly to secure the services of one of the White Hart Lane youngsters who may now struggle for first team football. Jake Livermore, 20, has signed on loan until January.
- Doncaster have tied midfielders James Coppinger and Martin Woods down to new three years contracts. Woods will make his 100th appearance for Rovers at Loftus Road on Saturday.