QPR manager’s Chair injury fears allayed

QPR boss Mark Warburton has admitted he “immediately panicked” when Ilias Chair was substituted after half an hour of Morocco’s recent Africa Cup of Nations match against Gabon.

The Rangers playmaker nursed a calf problem before flying out to the tournament, where his 30-minute outing is his only action so far.

He was an unused substitute for Morocco’s opening two matches but was named in the starting line-up for the final group game, only to be unceremoniously withdrawn by coach Vahid Halilhodzic.

Warburton feared the worst when Chair was taken off, but has since established that it was not related to the recent injury.

“He is fit and well. I was as surprised as anyone to see him come off after half an hour,” Warburton said.

“I immediately panicked and thought they may have been a recurrence, but he is perfectly fine.

“He is training and hoping to get some pitch time at the weekend against Egypt.”