QPR v Middlesbrough - Neil Warnock recovering but missing from R’s trip

Back at the business end of their promotion season of 2015-16 in front of the TV cameras, Boro held their nerve to triumph 3-2 and a 3-0 victory in January, 2018 fuelled talk – which was not misplaced – that Tony Pulis’s side could make the play-offs.

A gutsy 2-2 draw last November – at a time when Boro were in a worrying slump of form – also ended a goal drought, with Britt Assombalonga scoring twice.

One figure who they must again do without today as they seek a first league win in 2020-21 is Neil Warnock.

The Boro chief, who took the R’s to the top-flight in 2010-11, has spent the last week in isolation near Boro’s training ground after testing positive for coronavirus.

Although his isolation period has now ended, Warnock will not travel south and remain in the north-east after taking charge of a team meeting on Friday before his players headed to the captial.

Assistant Kevin Blackwell, who will again assume dug-out duties with first-team coach Ronnie Jepson, said: “Neil is getting on well. He is well on the road to recovery.

“We speak every day, and we’ve been able to hear the improvement in him day by day. He has been able to take this opportunity to rest and recuperate.

“To be fair to Neil, he looks after himself and does quite a bit of work gym-wise, and he’s in good nick, and I think that has been a saving for him. He has not really suffered heavily from the Covid.

“Clearly, though, it Is a worry for everybody when you get a strain that everybody is saying is a serious virus.”

Last six games: QPR DWDLWL; Middlesbrough LWWLLD.

Referee: D Whitestone (Northants).

Last time: QPR 2 Middlesbrough 2, November 9, 2019; Championship.

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James Mitchinson