Perch hands QPR timely boost after Bidwell injury

James Perch is on course to return for QPR’s game against Reading on 15 October.

The 31-year-old looked set for a long spell on the sidelines after he was stretchered off during Rangers’ recent 6-0 defeat against his former club Newcastle.

He injured his ankle as well as his knee, but did not suffer serious ligament damage and has been responding well to treatment.

The news is a significant boost for QPR after left-back Jake Bidwell suffered a dislocated shoulder during Tuesday’s draw at Burton.

Bidwell, signed from Brentford in the summer, left the pitch on a stretcher and could be out for up to four months.

Perch has produced some of his best performances for QPR at left-back and is therefore likely to be called upon after the forthcoming international break.

He will be unavailable for Saturday’s derby at Fulham, where Joel Lynch, who came on for Bidwell at Burton, is expected to start.

Jack Robinson is still not able to train with the rest of the Rangers squad and looks likely to remain unavailable for some time.