DEFENDER Richard Dunne is set for a prolonged spell on the sidelines owing to a knee injury.





The Irishman sustained a medial collateral ligament injury to his right knee in the R’s 1-0 defeat to Southampton on Saturday and is expected to be out for up to three months.





Meanwhile, fellow defender Nedum Onuoha sustained a hamstring injury against the Saints and will be sidelined for approximately 3-4 weeks.





However, there is good news regarding Charlie Austin, who – despite leaving Loftus Road on crutches yesterday – has only suffered heavy bruising to his right foot.





The R’s top-scorer will miss Tuesday’s trip to Sunderland but is likely to be available for our clash against Hull City on Saturday 21st February.