QPR will be without Geoff Cameron, Tomer Hemed and Angel Rangel for a lengthy spell, while Grant Hall is also unavailable for Saturday’s game against Middlesbrough.
The loss of on-loan duo Cameron and Hemed is a big blow for Rangers as their arrivals sparked an upturn in results after a terrible start under Steve McClaren, who faces his former club this weekend.
Rangel has also made a big impact since being brought to Loftus Road in August, so McClaren now faces a major headache.
Striker Hemed continues to struggle with a groin problem, while Cameron and Rangel were both injured during the recent defeat at Leeds.
Cameron was the victim of a crunching challenge from Leeds’ Kalvin Phillips and has been left with ankle ligament damage.
The full extent of the American’s injury will not be established until after the swelling around the ankle has gone down, but the signs are not good.
Veteran defender Rangel, meanwhile, faces eight weeks out with a torn thigh tendon. He has only just had his contract extended until the end of the season, having impressed since being brought in as short-term cover while Darnell Furlong was out with a knee injury.
Hall, who missed most of last season with knee trouble, has more recently been struggling with a thigh problem.