Rangers still without Barton and Hill

Nedum Onuoha and Niko Kranjcar look likely to return to action for QPR against Nottingham Forest but Joey Barton and Clint Hill are still not fit.

Charlie Austin, recently back from a shoulder injury, is set to start Saturday’s match at Loftus Road with a view to playing at least an hour.

And Onuoha’s return to training this week after a calf problem is a boost for Rangers, while Kranjcar is expected to be passed fit following a hamstring problem.

But Barton continues to struggle with a thigh strain and club captain Hill has been nursing ankle and calf injuries.

Aaron Hughes looks likely to be available after recovering from a hamstring problem, but Hill’s absence means manager Harry Redknapp is reluctant to leave out Richard Dunne, who would otherwise be rested.

“Dunny has been running on empty,” said Redknapp.

“Clint Hill is still not fit, but hopefully two or three are on the way back. Hopefully Nedum will be fit and Niko trained all week and should be okay.”

Jermaine Jenas is also expected to be available after his latest hamstring complaint but Armand Traore remains sidelined.

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