More worries for QPR as trio pick up injuries

QPR are hoping Niko Kranjcar, Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Gary O’Neil will be available for next weekend’s game at Birmingham after all three picked up injuries on the eve of the draw with Leeds.

Kranjcar aggravated a hamstring problem in training on Friday and was ruled out of the game at Loftus Road, where Jermaine Jenas’ equaliser secured a point for Rangers.

O’Neil suffered a hip flexor injury and Assou-Ekotto, dropped for the recent defeat at Charlton, could not be considered for a recall because of a thigh problem.

Armand Traore almost missed the Leeds game too after also picking up a knock in training, but he came through a late fitness test.

Rangers’ assistant manager Kevin Bond said: “I don’t think Niko had healed as much as he anticipated.

“Hopefully they’re not serious and we can expect them back for the Birmingham game.”

Meanwhile, boss Harry Redknapp has indicated that top scorer Charlie Austin is four to six weeks away from a return to action following shoulder surgery.

Danny Simpson is expected to return from a back problem in the next week or so.

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