Warburton hoping QPR’s injury problems ease soon

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Mark Warburton is hoping to have at least two of his injured wing-backs fit for QPR’s game against Sheffield United on Monday – and has pencilled Lyndon Dykes in to return for next Saturday’s encounter with Swansea.

Rangers were without Moses Odubajo, Lee Wallace and Albert Adomah for the 2-0 defeat by Stoke last weekend and with Sam McCallum sidelined until February following hamstring surgery, Warburton had no natural wing-backs available for selection, with Osman Kakay and Sam Field filling the roles against the Potters.


But with the extra day to prepare for the trip against the in-form Blades, who have won their past three matches, Warburton believes that can work in his side’s favour.

“We had a bizarre situation with four wing-backs out but one or two may return to training in the next day or so,” Warburton said.

“Right now it is a case of a medical meeting every day and chatting to the doctor, seeing who is available and take it from there.

“We have one or two I hope with come through (training) but we will just have to wait and see where we are on Sunday and may even leave it until Monday to make a decision.”

Dykes has missed the past five matches due to an ankle injury but Warburton the Scotland striker is set to return to training with the squad on Wednesday.

The 26-year-old sustained the injury in the 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest in October but played the next two matches against Cardiff and Blackpool only to re-aggravate the problem in training with the Scotland squad.

“Lyndon won’t be available for this weekend but hopefully back on the grass training with us early next week and be available for Swansea,” Warburton said.

“He had the initial knock against Forest but he felt good, he got it strapped up and felt strong and got through the games but I think during the break between the Blackpool game and reporting with Scotland some inflammation got in the ankle.

“The Scotland medical team were not sure and looked after him and the process went from there. There is no set pattern to injuries, players can walk in one day fine and then their knee blows up overnight.

“They are elite-level athletes working hard every day and their bodies act accordingly.

“But in Lyndon’s case I think Monday will be too soon for him, but he has been out on the grass this week and I hope very much for Swansea he will be available.”