As football returns from the international period, Queens Park Rangers travel to Carrow Road this Saturday to take on Norwich City in what is shaping up to be an important game for both sides.
This will be new manager Marti Cifuentes’ second game in charge of Rangers since taking the job at the beginning of October. His first two matches in the dugout ended in the shares being spoiled on both occasions against Rotherham United and Bristol City.
The two points haven’t been enough to pull the London outfit of the hole Cifuentes inherited from his predecessor Gareth Ainsworth as QPR remain five points below safety and still in danger of relegation to the third tier.
Nevertheless, this weekend’s trip to Norfolk offers Cifuentes’ men the perfect opportunity to gain some ground in the battle for survival, having suffered six straight defeats prior to his arrival.
Ahead of the crucial clash, the Spanish coach revealed that QPR could have Reggie Cannon and Jake Clarke-Salter back in the squad after the duo trained this week [quotes via West London Sport]:
“Both of them had a good training session today (Wednesday).
“Jake has been involved for the last two weeks’ training so he is feeling and looking very good,” he continued.
“Reggie has some minor issues with his knee so he missed the last game but he had a good practice and we will evaluate him over the next few days.
“But so far they look good.”
Norwich City are also struggling after losing four of their last five Championship outings, with head coach David Wagner’s job reportedly hanging in the balance. However, a 3-2 away win over Cardiff City prior to the recent break eased some pressure off the German coach.
Writer’s View
Given QPR’s injury issues this season, the return of Cannon and Clarke-Salter will be welcomed with open arms by supporters and by Cifuentes as the new boss aims for a clean bill of health across his squad.
Clarke-Salter has been a big absentee for Rangers too and could finally offer some solidity to a team with the joint-third-worst defensive record in England’s second tier.
Deputy Head of Writing
