QPR boss Gareth Ainsworth has revealed that Leeds loanee Tyler Roberts is ‘looking sharp’ as he prepares to make an early return this weekend from a calf injury. The midfielder, who joined from the Premier League side on a season-long loan last summer, has already missed 12 games due to the injury.
It was initially feared that the knock would have ended his season early, but Ainsworth is hopeful that he can play a part in Saturday’s fixture. With five games remaining, the R’s sit just two points above the relegation zone and will be desperate for a result when they take on play-off hopefuls Coventry City.
QPR have won just once in their last 18 fixtures and are at serious threat of playing in the third division next year for the first time since 2004. Prior to the injury, Roberts was a key member of the squad at Loftus Road, scoring three goals in 18 appearances. However, with both the injury and playing for Wales at the World Cup in December, his playing time has been somewhat staggered and inconsistent.
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Ainsworth has assured supporters that he does not want to rush Roberts back in and risk any ‘recurrences’, but that he ‘could be involved’ over the weekend.
“He could be involved [versus Coventry]. He’s looking sharp in training now, which is great. He’s been out a long time and we’ve got to be careful because we don’t want any recurrences with Tyler,” Ainsworth told West London Sport.
After returning to Leeds for rehabilitation, the Welshman took to social media to update fans on the ‘frustrating and upsetting’ situation he was going through. Roberts also vowed to ‘work hard’ on his return and pleaded with fans to keep supporting the team and help them avoid relegation to League One.
"This was incredibly frustrating and upsetting as I worked so hard to come back and be the best version of myself to help the team, but now with this setback the time being on the sidelines has increased. As a footballer, this is the most low and depressing time you can have. I will continue to walk by faith and work just as hard to hopefully be back out there soon.
“It’s clear that we have been through a rough time recently, but I have confidence knowing that the lads are working hard on the training pitch to change this around and they will. Thank you to all the QPR fans for your continue supported and patience, it doesn’t go unnoticed.”
Should they stay up, QPR will have the option to sign the attacking midfielder permanently with the Leeds man having just 12 months left on his existing contract at Elland Road.
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