R'S FRONT-MAN Charlie Austin is set for a prolonged period on the sidelines owing to a shoulder injury sustained in Tuesday night's victory against Bolton Wanderers.





Austin landed heavily during the first half of our 2-1 win over the Trotters and despite shrugging off the initial knock to open the scoring with his 15th goal of the season in all competitions, scans have since revealed he has sustained a complicated shoulder injury.





Dr Peter Florida, R's Head of Medical Services, told www.qpr.co.uk: “Charlie went for a scan on Wednesday afternoon and unfortunately it has shown he has suffered an injury to his shoulder.





“He's done some damage to the bone and cartilage in the joint, as well as the soft tissues around it, and will need an operation to correct the problem.





“We'll start his rehabilitation immediately but he's likely to be sidelined for a prolonged period.”





Austin added: “I’m obviously desperately disappointed.





“Injuries are part and parcel of football but I was really enjoying my football so it’s a bitter blow.





“I’ll work tirelessly in my rehabilitation to make sure I return as quickly as possible and in the meantime, support the lads as we continue to push for promotion.”



