QPR boss explains Ngbakoto absence

QPR boss Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink says Yeni Ngbakoto is on the verge of being fit enough to return to action.

The French winger has been nursing a thigh problem and has been generally short of full fitness after recently spending time away from the club following the death of his father.

Ngbakoto narrowly missed out on a place in the Rangers squad for their dramatic win at Fulham and is expected to be available after the international break.

Hasselbaink said: “He could have been on the bench today and I would have used him, but we don’t know yet whether he’s 100% because he still feels it a little bit.

“I don’t want him to make it worse and be out for four or five weeks, because we have a few other injuries.”

Ngbakoto, a summer signing from Metz, has not featured for Rangers since their 6-0 thrashing at home to Newcastle on 13 September.

Hasselbaink explained: “Yeni came from France and he was doing well. His father passed away and we gave him time off.

“He then came back, trained and was okay, but had to go back again for the funeral.

“After the funeral he came back and, because he hadn’t trained as much as he did before, he got a little problem with his thigh.”

Midfielder Ariel Borysiuk, who has been carrying a knock, also missed the Fulham game.