‘Slowly’ was the word Harry Redknapp used to describe Joey Barton and Jordon Mutch's recovery from injuries.

The QPR midfielders have been out with a mix of groin and hamstring problems for most of the last five games. In Barton’s case since he limped off in the 2-2 draw with Stoke on September 20.

Mutch also missed the end of the match and played just 12 minutes more against West Ham two games later.

The light at the end of the tunnel is both are expected to resume training on Monday.

Redknapp said: “Slowly they’re coming back. Hopefully they will be back training with the group next week, and hopefully again back in time to face Man City.”


Harry revealed that Clint Hill had been carrying an ankle injury even though he was named on the bench in the 2-0 win over Aston Villa on Monday, but was also 'coming back slowly.'

Defender Nedum Onuoha is also missing with a groin strain for the visit to Stamford Bridge where Rs won the last time there in January 2013.

And after making a sparkling debut in the 3-2 home defeat to Liverpool, keeper Alex McCarthy is struggling with a groin injury.

Central defender Rio Ferdinand sits out the first of a three-game ban following his imfamous 'sket' tweet.