QPR boss Gareth Ainsworth delivers injury news on key defender ahead of Sunderland
Gareth Ainsworth has provided an injury update on QPR defender Steve Cook ahead of Saturday’s Championship clash against Sunderland.
The 32-year-old was forced off at half-time in the west Londoner’s 2-0 win at Middlesbrough before the international break, with ex-Chelsea youngster Jake Clarke-Salter coming on in his place.
Cook has made four appearances for QPR since joining from Nottingham Forest in the summer.
Sunderland beat Southampton 5-0 before the international break and head to Loftus Road on Saturday.
“You don’t want to give team selection away but we’re working hard to try to get Steve back into the team and onto the pitch,” Ainsworth told QPR’s YouTube channel.
“He made a huge difference when he walked through the door with his first game being a win at Cardiff.
“He’s part of that group who are leading the dressing room and he’s a big player for us.
“We’re going to make sure that our best players are on the pitch on Saturday.
“Steve is definitely in that group with what he’s done, who he is, and the leadership he’s brought to us.
“Sunderland are scoring goals for fun in their last game and we need to make sure we keep that to a minimum.”
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