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QPR boss Harry Redknapp is furious with midfielder Sandro after he injured his troublesome knee while celebrating scoring a goal in training last week.
Sandro, who joined QPR from Tottenham for £10m last month, has a long history of knee problems and suffered a fresh blow in a freak incident.
The Brazil international limped off in agony moments after sliding in jubilation at finding the net in a practice match. It meant he was ruled out of the 2-2 draw with Stoke on Saturday.
Standard Sport understands Sandro has only suffered minor damage and while he will miss the trip to Southampton this weekend, he been earmarked to play against West Ham on Sunday week.
The news is a major lift for Redknapp because the club is short of midfielders at present. Jordan Mutch and Joey Barton are struggling with hamstring problems and Alejandro Faurlin is out for the rest of the season with a knee ligament injury.
Redknapp is still upset by the foolish nature of Sandro’s absence, especially with the other players already ruled out.
QPR v Stoke City - player ratings
He said: “It was a stupid injury. He scored a goal in training and slid on his knee like a lot of players do. I don’t know why players do it.
“The pitch was bone dry so he skidded. His knee has gone bang into the turf and I watched him trying to get up wondering ‘what’s he done here?’ Sure enough he wasn’t fit for Saturday.
“I couldn’t believe it. He had a knee operation at Tottenham last year which kept him out for quite a while. It was a setback for us and I wouldn’t recommend anyone sliding on their knees. It’s absolutely crazy.
“I started the season with six central midfielders and now have Faurlin, Sandro, Barton and Mutch all injured. It’s a bit of a problem for us. I just have Leroy Fer and Karl Henry to be fit for Saturday against Southampton.”
