Cifuentes confirms Kolli must wait for QPR return
Marti Cifuentes has confirmed that Rayan Kolli is not yet ready to return to the QPR squad following a recent setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury.
The 20-year-old forward has been out for more than two months and is yet to resume full training.
He is therefore not being considered for Saturday’s crucial game against fellow strugglers Cardiff City, which Steve Cook and Michael Frey will also miss.
“During his recovery he got a setback and we need to be very careful,” head coach Cifuentes explained.
“He’s feeling better, and I really like when the player has positive feelings, but at the same time he has not been participating yet (in full training) with the team, so we need to take it step by step.
“After the next game there are still six more games for him and he can be an important player for us in the final rush.”
Sam Field has been passed fit to return this weekend, bolstering Cifuentes’ midfield options, but his attacking options have been severely limited by the absences of Kolli, Michael Frey and Zan Celar.
Koki Saito will also miss the Cardiff game as he is suspended.
And in defence, the loss of skipper Cook, who has been struggling with a foot injury, is a major blow.
“He has not been training this week. He is struggling with some pain in his foot,” said Cifuentes.
“The reality is that he is struggling with some pain. With some treatment he has improved over the last 24-48 hours, but he will not be available.
“The same with Michael Frey – slowly getting better but in the early stages of this process.”
