Injured Taarabt ‘back to square one’

Adel Taarabt has suffered an ankle injury in training and is “back to square one” in his attempt to get back to full fitness, according to manager Harry Redknapp.

Taarabt, who has not started a league game this season, limped out of a training session and a scan has indicated that he has strained a ligament.

The news is a setback for Rangers as the Moroccan had been showing a real desire to get fit, having previously been criticised by Redknapp for being out of shape.

“He’s twisted his ankle, so we’re back to square one with him,” said Redknapp.

“He’s had a scan. He’s stretched a ligament and I’ve spoken to the doctor about it.”

Taarabt, the star of QPR’s 2010-11 promotion-winning campaign, has long been out of favour with Redknapp, who sold him to Rangers when Tottenham manager.

The forward spent last season out on loan, first at Fulham, where he failed to impress, and then at AC Milan.

He fared much better at the San Siro and hoped to secure a permanent move there during the summer, but it did not materialise and, not for the first time, his attitude was criticised by Redknapp.

More recently, Taarabt has appeared to be edging towards a return to fitness.

But his injury leaves Rangers with a problem as they fear a spell on the sidelines could lead to his weight ballooning again.

“He has shown interest, but we can’t get him fit because he’s now got a problem with his ankle – just when we thought he was starting to get fitter,” Redknapp added.

“He came out for training and after about 15 minutes he had to limp off again because his ankle was too sore.

“Do you rest him for a few weeks? And if you rest him how is he going to get fit?

“We need to get his weight down and get him fit to play. He’s got to get himself fit and if he does that he could be a big asset for us.”

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