QPR handed injury blow to 'Premier League level' defender ahead of Swansea City and Norwich City

QPR have been handed a potentially significant injury blow in the 2-1 victory over Preston North End on Saturday with captain Steve Cook hauled off after just 24 minutes in that fixture.

The R's have a short break to enjoy Christmas but are back in action on Boxing Day and then once more before the end of the year. It's a trip to Swansea on Thursday before heading in the other direction from London to take on Norwich City on December 29.

The heart of defence, being without Cook for those upcoming Championship clashes would be a setback for the R's as they look to continue an impressive run of form in December. QPR are now unbeaten in seven, winning four of those and keeping four clean sheets in the process.

It's a welcome return to winning ways for QPR head coach Marti Cifuentes, who had been under pressure earlier this season as the outfit languished in the second tier relegation zone. The R's are now 14th in the table.

Speaking after the win on Saturday, Cifuentes hailed his team's performance but did acknowledge the potential blow in the jubilation with Cook's injury. The player limped off before half time and was replaced by Morgan Fox.

Cifuentes told West London Sport:  “That’s the only negative part, that we got another injury. I don’t want to play doctor. Let’s see the test tomorrow. He felt an acute pain.

“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.”

Cook had played every minute of the Championship campaign up until his early substitution on Saturday and is a linchpin in the Catalan coach's QPR system. Earlier this week, Cifuentes had hailed the player as Premier League quality when speaking about his side's return to defensive form.

Cook hailed as ‘fantastic player’ by QPR boss

Cifuentes said: “We’re very lucky to have him. He’s a fantastic player. The way he defends the box is Premier League level in my opinion. So he’s definitely a big asset for us because of his leadership and calmness.

“He’s also helping a player in Liam Morrison, who had no experience in the Championship, to grow a lot. You can see they are working really well together and that says a lot about his [Cook’s] leadership.

“When it comes to defending crosses and other balls into the box he’s excellent. He never makes a mistake, is always so focused and ready.”

Cifuentes admitted that Cook had a 'small problem' with an injury in training the day before the 1-1 draw with Bristol City last weekend and was unable to finish the session. He did, however, shake off that problem to play the full match at Ashton Gate.