Cifuentes has Cook back for first QPR game but Clarke-Salter is out

Steve Cook is set to return for QPR’s first match under new boss Marti Cifuentes but Jake Clarke-Salter faces another spell on the sidelines.

Cook has been out with a hamstring problem but is expected to play in Saturday’s game at Rotherham.

The injury-plagued Clarke-Salter is out with a groin problem and looks unlikely to be available before this month’s international break.

“Steve Cook is back,” Cifuentes said at his first press conference since taking over from the sacked Gareth Ainsworth.

“We are analysing with the medical (staff) and we are going to take that decision. He has been doing well.

“With Clarke-Salter it is going to take a little more time.

“Hopefully he can be ready in the next couple of weeks to train with the group and so on. But we’ll see how he will progress.”

Cook’s expected return is a timely boost for Rangers, who have lost six matches in a row and are one off the bottom of the Championship table.

Their defensive options have also been improved by Jimmy Dunne returning to the squad after a ban.

However, in midfield they will be without Jack Colback and Andre Dozzell, who are suspended.

But Cifuentes insisted: “I’m calm about the players we have in midfield.

“Jack and Andre Dozzell are important players in this squad but there is an opportunity for other players who I’m sure can perform.”