QPR midfielder Jordon Mutch faces several more weeks on the sidelines after aggravating a hamstring problem.

The summer signing came on as a substitute in Rangers’ 2-0 defeat at West Ham before the international break – his first appearance since he went off injured in the home game against Stoke last month.

Rangers will also be without Joey Barton against Liverpool on Sunday because of a hamstring problem manager Harry Redknapp admitted is “dragging on”, despite the club initially believing he would make a swift return.

But Niko Kranjcar is hoping to play this weekend despite suffering a toe injury in training which at first looked likely to keep him out for at least a month.

Redknapp explained: “Jordon Mutch has picked up a hamstring again and is out for a few weeks.

“It’s long term. I like him and he’s a fantastic prospect but he’s been injured – it can happen.

“Niko broke his toe and it looked like it had come away from the bone and he’d be out for five or six weeks, but he’s going to come out and train today and wants to have an injection so he can play.”

Redknapp has blamed QPR’s dismal start to the season on fitness issues among his players, particularly in midfield.

As well as Mutch and Barton, Leroy Fer has lacked sharpness since arriving from Norwich and pre-deadline signing Sandro has been nursing a knee complaint.

Asked if his new signings were now beginning to settle, Redknapp said: “No, not really. I’d be lying if I said yes. It’s been difficult.”

See also: Redknapp: I'm under no pressure at QPR

Rangers confident of Kranjcar boost

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