Round-up: Costa trains, Salah backed, QPR latest, Symons excited

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Diego Costa trained with the rest of the Chelsea squad today.

The striker, who has been struggling with illness and an ongoing hamstring issue, is expected to return for the west London derby at home to QPR on Saturday.

Mohamed Salah seems to have little chance of featuring in that game after failing to impress manager Jose Mourinho during Tuesday’s Capital One Cup win at Shrewsbury.

Canoville believes Salah can improve
Canoville says Salah can improve

But former Blues winger Paul Canoville has told West London Sport he believes Salah has the ability to develop his game and make the grade at Stamford Bridge – if he can improve his end product.

Chelsea’s Under-21 side lost 2-1 to Cardiff in a friendly, while Blues youngster Jay Dasilva scored a fine solo goal for England Under-17s as they beat France 3-1.

In terms of transfer speculation, Chelsea have today again been linked with Roma forward Mattia Destro and Borussia Dortmund’s Marco Reus.

Meanwhile, QPR have confirmed the appointment of Chris Ramsey. 

West London Sport revealed on Wednesday that the former Tottenham coach was set to take over as Rangers’ academy boss.

The R’s will again be without Joey Barton, Jordon Mutch and Nedum Onuoha against Chelsea, but manager Harry Redknapp says Adel Taarabt could yet be included in the squad following clear-the-air talks between the pair.

Onuoha is out injured
Onuoha hoped to return on Saturday

Redknapp believes the injured trio could return against Manchester City a week on Saturday.

He is also convinced Chelsea will win the title and that Ravel Morrison, who ended last season on loan at Loftus Road, is – like Taarabt – in danger of wasting his talent.

For more of the best bits from his pre-match press conference today, check out our weekly Redknapp Recap.

Lastly on Rangers, young midfielder Frankie Sutherland has joined AFC Wimbledon on a month’s loan.

At Fulham, Kit Symons says he is excited by the challenge of being installed as manager on a permanent basis.

And in cricket, Ealing CC wicketkeeper Robbie White is among three teenagers to have signed contracts with Middlesex.

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