Harry Redknapp will be without two of his three transfer deadline day signings when QPR entertain Birmingham City on Saturday.
Left-back Benoit Assou-Ekotto is lacking match fitness having not featured for Tottenham this season before his move to QPR, while midfielder Niko Kranjcar is recovering from a slight injury and is also expected to miss next Wednesday’s home clash with Brighton.
The third of Redknapp’s loan signings, Tom Carroll, is expected to feature.
“We’re delighted with the players that we have brought in, the problem is that one or two of them are a little bit away from the fitness that we need,” said Redknapp.
“Benoit [Assou-Ekotto] has come in and he hasn’t played a single game at Tottenham. He’s a bit short still. Niko’s had a little bit of an injury so it’ll be another week or two with him.”
The manager will also be without forward Andy Johnson, sidelined with a knee injury, while winger Matt Phillips should make the squad as he nears his recovery from a broken arm, but is unlikely to start.
Redknapp added: “Matt Phillips, who I think will be a great signing for us, is fit now but hasn’t played a game. So there’s a little group of them who I think will be really good players for this year but tomorrow may be a little bit short still.”
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