Marti Cifuentes is hoping QPR defender Jake Clarke-Salter can put his injury problems behind him.
The former Chelsea man has been plagued by injuries since his move to Loftus Road and spent much of last season on the sidelines.
But he has impressed in recent matches and boss Cifuentes sees him as a key player.
Speaking to West London Sport, Cifuentes said: “I knew Jake already from his time (on loan) at Birmingham because Xavi Calm my assistant was working at Birmingham for a lot of his games.
“We knew of his quality so I am not surprised about the level of performances he has had over the last few games.
“But at the same time we need to realise he came from a period when I first arrived where he was coming back from an injury.
“But we have a fantastic medical department and physios who have all contributed to give me a good picture on what are the risks and opportunities for each player on weeks like this.
“That all contributes to the puzzle because it’s about keeping the mood of the squad and my way of coaching is always to give people the opportunities to show and play in games.
“But there is no doubt he is a very important player for us and we want him to be fit and be in as many games as he can.”