QPR boss Gareth Ainsworth hopes Ilias Chair and Kenneth Paal can return for this weekend’s game against Birmingham City.
QPR men Chair and Paal have both been consistent starters this season, with both notching up 32 Championship appearances. They’ve both been absent from the last two league games though, sitting out again as the R’s made a much-needed return to winning ways against Watford.
After the vital victory, Ainsworth will be hoping his side can kick on this week. They face Blackpool on Tuesday night before facing Birmingham City at the weekend in two games that look winnable for the R’s.
Now, ahead of the game, updates have emerged on sidelined stars Chair and Paal.
As quoted by West London Sport, Ainsworth said it is hoped both can be back for the Birmingham City tie, with tomorrow’s trip to Blackpool seemingly coming too soon for the duo. He said:
“It’s a matter of hoping we can get a couple in before the weekend.
“I believe the third game in a week is a tough one – the second one sometimes you can patch up and get through, but the third game is a killer. So if we can get some bodies back I’ll be looking at Saturday’s game. The likes of Ilias Chair and Kenneth Paal are very close, so hopefully we can get those guys back.
“They’re out on the grass training now, it’s just about making sure there’s no recurrence.”
Nearing returns…
With Chair and Paal both back out on the grass, it will be hoped they can come through this week scot-free to get themselves back in contention for the weekend game against Birmingham City.
Osman Kakay and Aaron Drewe made for a pretty makeshift wing-back pairing against Watford so having Paal back on the pitch will at least mean there’s a natural left-footer for Ainsworth. As for Chair, he’s again proven to be one of the division’s best attacking midfielders this season, so his return will provide a welcome boost for Ainsworth in attacking.
QPR look as though they’ll be without them against Blackpool, but it will be hoped they can collect a second consecutive win regardless of their continued absences.
