Sky Sports QPR dealt mammoth double blow ahead of Cardiff City and Watford in ‘nightmare’ for Marti Cifuentes.
QPR must produce results in the Championship but are hampered by the unavailability of key first-team players.
QPR will be without important players Jake Clarke-Salter and Ilias Chair for future contests against Cardiff City and Watford, according to a comprehensive injury update released on Wednesday evening. Marti Cifuentes is facing a dreadful situation.
The Catalan side has struggled in recent months, and a long list of injury layoffs hasn’t helped matters. Before the international break, the coach expressed his desire to get players fighting fit again, but this has not yet occurred.
After the defeat against Leeds United, he stated: “I haven’t said much about it in the last few weeks, but now that we have the international break, the main priority for us is to recover players.” It’s quite challenging, especially when they’re such key players. Is this an excuse? Not at all. We need to improve and compete better.”
Cifuentes has been buoyed by the return of defenders Harrison Ashby and Kenneth Paal, with experienced midfielder Jack Colback following closely behind. However, these positives come with the revelation that QPR will have to wait longer to see Clarke-Salter and Chair return to play.
The two players, who were vital members of the Cifuentes team that avoided relegation last season, will not play against Stoke City this weekend. They will also miss games to Cardiff City and Watford before returning in the first half of December, assuming recuperation goes as planned.
QPR will be without Clarke-Salter again. | Getty Images.
Clarke-Salter has been dealing with a calf niggle this season, keeping him in and out of the team. Chair suffered a knee injury against Middlesbrough earlier this month, after missing the first part of the season due to a back ailment sustained in pre-season.
The club’s announcement also announced that Kader Dembele would be sidelined until February following knee surgery. The report stated that Jake Clarke-Salter is anticipated to return to the first team in the first half of December.
“Ilias Chair, who came off during our home fixture against Middlesbrough with a knee injury, is also expected to be available for selection in the first half of December.
“Kader Dembele, however, faces a period of time on the sidelines following knee surgery. Subject to a successful rehabilitation, the club is hopeful he will be in a position to return to the pitch in February 2025.”
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