QPR have confirmed that Ben Gladwin has returned to the club because of a knee injury but say he does not currently require surgery.
The midfielder has made just one appearance for Bristol City since agreeing a loan move six weeks ago.
The loan deal cannot be formally terminated, but Gladwin appears to be facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines – although initial fears that he could need an operation have been allayed.
“Ben has returned with a knee problem. He’s been assessed this morning and has been sent to see a specialist knee consultant, but it doesn’t require surgery at this time,” QPR physiotherapist Nigel Cox told the club’s website.
“He’ll be assessed in the coming weeks during an intensive rehabilitation programme, after which a decision will be made as to whether he is fit to return to Bristol City.”
Gladwin returned to Rangers to have the problem treated earlier this month and was given the all-clear to go back to City, who had signed him for the rest of the season.
He was signed from Swindon Town last summer and returned there on loan in October after making just two league appearances for Rangers.
He was recalled soon after Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was appointed manager at Loftus Road so that the Dutchman could assess him.
The 23-year-old former Hayes & Yeading player featured in the FA Cup defeat against Nottingham Forest and was promptly loaned out again.
Meanwhile, R’s youngster Brandon Comley has also seen his loan spell cut short.
The 20-year-old midfielder suffered an ankle injury while playing for Carlisle against Morecambe on Saturday.
This post was last modified on 04/03/2016