Mark Hughes is confirmed as the new QPR manager. Thierry Henry caps his Arsenal comeback with the winner against Leeds. Scott Parker is struggling to make Spurs’ clash with Everton tomorrow, while Michael Essien turns out for Chelsea reserves as he continues his recovery from anterior cruciate ligament damage:
QPR have appointed Mark Hughes as their new manager this afternoon. The Welshman has signed up at Loftus Road on a two and a half year deal, following the dismissal of Neil Warnock earlier this week. He will take charge of first-team matters with immediate effect.
While all of the attention surrounded Thierry Henry after his dream return to the Emirates, Arsene Wenger gave Fantasy managers a boost by revealing post-match that Robin Van Persie will start at the weekend away to Swansea. The Dutchman was afforded a rest and has admitted he is fully refreshed and raring to go after a busy festive schedule. Wenger was quizzed on the possibility of playing both players from the start against Brendan Rodgers’ side and said :
I haven’t decided yet. Robin will be back against Swansea. Will Thierry start or not? I don’t know yet. He can play behind or in front of Robin or on the flank, Robin can play on the flank too, but I don’t know yet what I will do. They can play together, of course, and they did play together.
Wenger’s defensive options were further restricted in the win over Leeds. Arsenal had five defenders out injured prior to last night’s match but Francis Coquelin pulled up injured with a hamstring problem just after the half-hour mark and was replaced by Nico Yennaris. The Gunners boss confirmed post-match that the player will be sidelined for a few weeks with the injury, though he is hoping Johan Djourou will make a return for Sunday’s trip to the Liberty Stadium.
Harry Redknapp has revealed Scott Parker is “very doubtful” for Spurs home clash with Everton tomorrow. The midfielder picked up a knee knock at Swansea in gameweek 19 and hasn’t featured since for the London outfit. Sandro and William Gallas are both unavailable due to calf injuries, while Ledley King is “unfit”, though a hamstring scan has revealed the problem is not as bad as initially feared.
Simon Davies will step up his recovery from injury with a run-out for Fulham’s reserves later today. The midfielder returned to action in gameweek 15 against Swansea after a long-term knee problem but hasn’t played since after picking up a back injury in the game with Brendan Rodgers’ side.
Despite David Stockdale’s recent stand-out displays between the Fulham posts, Martin Jol has confirmed Mark Schwarzer is his number one keeper. The Australian has missed the Cottagers last five league games due to a back problem and according to his manager, should be back in action within three or four weeks.
Michael Essien managed a run-out for Chelsea reserves yesterday as the midfielder begins to edge closer to a first-team return. Essien has yet to play this term, having picked up an anterior cruciate ligament injury in pre-season training, but came through the game against West Brom without any problems, after a 75 minute appearance.
West Brom have snapped up Scott Allen from Dundee United for an undisclosed fee. The highly-rated young midfielder passed a medical for the Baggies on Friday and despite interest from both the Old Firm, decided on a move down south.
Joey Barton will be available for Queens Park Rangers’ gameweek 22 clash with Wigan. The midfielder is currently serving a three-match ban and was expected to miss the Latics game but the club’s Third Round FA Cup replay against MK Dons will now count as part of his suspension.
Roger Johnson is hopeful he will be available for Wolves’ trip to Tottenham this weekend. Mick McCarthy’s side roll up to the Lane on Saturday and their skipper is confident of overcoming the ankle injury that saw him subbed off in the FA Cup Third Round draw at former club Birmingham.
Everton’s injury worries show no sign of letting up ahead of their trip to Spurs. While Marouane Fellaini and Royston Drenthe are available, David Moyes is set to be without Jack Rodwell, Leon Osman, Tony Hibbert, Tim Cahill, Rodd Barkley and Seamus Coleman, in addition to Phil Jagielka, on Wednesday evening.
