Harry Redknapp says Adel Taarabt is likely to feature for QPR in Saturday’s vital game against Burnley.
Taarabt recently returned to training after an injury and was included in the Rangers squad for the trip north.
And Redknapp says the Moroccan will play some part at Turf Moor if he is deemed fit enough.
The Rangers boss explained: “There’s every chance he’ll be involved. He will be involved if he’s okay.”
Taarabt has not made a first-team appearance since coming on as a substitute during the defeat at West Ham in October.
Later that month he was involved in an extraordinary public fall-out with Redknapp, who accused him of being overweight and suggested the 25-year-old had been unwilling to train.
Taarabt, relucantly sold to QPR by Tottenham when Redknapp was manager at White Hart Lane, has been desperate for a move for some time.
His representatives have tried in vain to secure him a transfer to Italy, where he ended last season on loan with AC Milan.
But Redknapp insists the decision to recall Taarabt is not merely an attempt to put him in the shop window.
Redknapp said: “It’s nothing to do with him [potentially] going – we need the points.
“I wouldn’t play him to put him in the shop window. He’d have been involved earlier but he’s not been fit.
“I’m hoping to get him fit and back playing. If he doesn’t go he needs to play here.
“If he’s going to be in my squad there’s no point him being one of my outfield players if he’s not fit to play.
“If he gets fit I still think he could play a big part for us. Absolutely. No-one doubts his ability.
“If he wants to get fit, train and play, he’s got all the ability in the world. But only Adel can help Adel. He’s got to start producing.”
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This post was last modified on 10/01/2015