RANGERS boss Mark Hughes has confirmed he could be without seven first-teamers for Sunday’s trip to face Tottenham Hotspur.
Andy Johnson was this week ruled out for the majority of the season after picking up an anterior cruciate ligament injury in our draw with Chelsea last weekend.
Fabio da Silva and Anton Ferdinand (both hamstring) are also out after suffering injuries in that stalemate against the Blues.
Samba Diakite, Stephane Mbia (groin) and Armand Traore (leg) are set to miss out too, while Hughes will make a late call on Adel Taarabt (hamstring).
“We’ve got a number of injuries at the back,” he told
www.qpr.co.uk. “Anton Ferdinand is not going to be available. Fabio is going to be out for a number of weeks. Armand Traore is out too and Samba isn’t ready.
“We’re going to have to have a shuffle around at the back.
“Adel Taarabt didn’t complete the training session today (Friday), so we’re going to have to check on him tomorrow. He might not be available.
“Stephane Mbia is also not available. He’s still got a little bit of discomfort from an injury picked up on international duty. We’re not going to risk him. He might be available in midweek [against Reading in the Capital One Cup].”
QPR travel to White Hart Lane at the weekend looking for a first league win of the campaign – and Hughes added: “We discussed our away form at the beginning of the season. It’s an area we need to improve on.
“We got a point at Norwich, which was positive, and it’s always difficult going to Emirates Marketing Project.
“Spurs is a tough game for us. They are an outstanding team. They've got winners throughout their side and great strength in depth.
“I watched Spurs against Reading and was very impressed. They controlled the game. [Jermain] Defoe is playing very well at the moment
“We know what they are capable of. But we're an improving side and we'll head there in confident mood.”
