Rangers without Barton for Blackpool clash

Joey Barton has been ruled out of QPR’s match against Blackpool this weekend.

Barton limped off during Tuesday’s 1-0 victory over Wigan after picking up a thigh injury and is still struggling.

Niko Kranjcar, who aggravated an ongoing hamstring complaint and was substituted at half-time, will also miss out against the Seasiders.

Manager Harry Redknapp confirmed: “They’re both struggling. Niko picked up an injury and he’s not fit. Joey’s the same – he picked up a bit of a thigh strain. They’re both going to be missing.”

Jermaine Jenas and Armand Traore look highly unlikely to be involved as they continue to nurse hamstring problems.

And Redknapp says he will assess Bobby Zamora’s fitness before deciding whether to start with the veteran striker.

Redknapp explained: “We may have to freshen it up a bit tomorrow. With three games in a week you’re going to have to use your squad.

“Danny Simpson’s available again and there are one or two lads looking for a game. You’ve got to keep it fresh.

“I’m looking at Bobby, who has played Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday. He put a real shift in [against Wigan] the other day.

“Whether I start with him tomorrow is a difficult one. I’ll have to have a look at him.”

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