QPR Manager Cifuentes Refrains from Speculating on Steve Cook’s Injury Severity

QPR manager Marti Cifuentes stated his uncertainty regarding the seriousness of an injury sustained by team captain Steve Cook, indicating he would not speculate on its severity. The 33-year-old centre-back incurred the injury during his team’s 2-1 come-from-behind win against Preston North End, which took place at Loftus Road on Saturday. The visiting team gained the lead under contentious circumstances when Milutin Osmajic scored past Rangers goalkeeper Paul Nardi while Cook was on the ground, appearing to have sustained a significant injury. Rayan Kolli leveled the score early in the second half, followed by Jimmy Dunne’s third goal of the current season in the 89th minute, securing a vital three points for the home team. This result propelled them to 14th place in the league standings, establishing a seven-point buffer from the relegation zone. Cifuentes reiterated his lack of knowledge regarding the extent of Cook’s injury, noting that the team captain was scheduled for a scan on Sunday. “That’s the only negative part – that we got another injury,” he stated. “I don’t want to play doctor. Let’s see the test. He felt an acute pain.” He added, “It seems it’s the sole – a soft-tissue issue. We need to make some tests. I’ve spoken with him and we’re not sure if it’s going to be a big one or not, but he was in some pain.” Throughout a significant portion of the current season, Cifuentes has faced challenges due to injuries affecting crucial players, including Ilias Chair, Kader Dembele, Michael Frey, Jake Clarke-Salter, and Jack Colback. Michael Frey made his return from the substitutes’ bench on Saturday, which was a positive development for QPR, although Zan Celar continues to be sidelined due to injury. The Rangers squad has now achieved an unbeaten streak of seven matches and is scheduled to play away against Swansea City on Boxing Day.