Thomas ‘in contention’ after recovering from sickness bug

QPR midfielder George Thomas has returned to training following illness.

Thomas had been in every Rangers squad this season but missed the past three matches after being struck down by a non-Covid related sickness.

“He had a sickness bug that really knocked him,” manager Mark Warburton said.

“There is a lot of cold and flu going around. George got it and got hit quite hard for a couple of weeks.

“But he is back and looked good in training and is in contention.”

Aside from long-term injury victims Lee Wallace and Sam Field, who are expected to be back in contention for selection within the next two weeks, Warburton has a full squad to choose from in what is going to be a hectic week which will see them play three matches in seven days.

Skipper Stefan Johansen is set to return to the side against Peterborough on Saturday having served a one-match ban, with Luke Amos also pushing hard for a start in midfield alongside him following his strong showing from the bench in Tuesday’s 1-0 win over Blackburn.

After facing Posh, Rangers will turn their attention to trying to book a first quarter-final appearance in a major cup competition in 26 years when League One side Sunderland visit the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium.

And Warburton says players are champing at the bit to be involved, leaving him with difficult decisions to make.

“People who say ‘That is a lovely problem to have’ are people who have never had to deal with it before,” Warburton said.

“You have to try and keep competitive athletes focused and hungry because they all want to play, all want to be involved, all think they are invincible.

“They are professional sportsman, but it is about being honest with them.

“Explaining what you are looking at, how you are trying to use them. If someone dips in form, tell them.

“If someone is in a good place but you are saving them for Tuesday tell them. The worst thing you can do is not give them the information.

“Are they all going to be happy? No. But that is nature of the beast unfortunately.”