Queens Park Rangers chances of challenging for a top six place have taken a huge blow, with three of their key men ruled out for lengthy spells according to West London Sport.

Steve McClaren's side lost 2-1 at Leeds this weekend in a controversial game which saw the home side awarded a dubious penalty. McClaren raged post-match, but it seems that the result is the least of his worries.

He lost on-loan Stoke City midfielder Geoff Cameron during the game, with veteran defender Angel Rangel also coming off before full time suffering badly. Both were being assessed this week and with a new round of matches upon us, the news is not positive.

Cameron has suffered significant ligament damage and whilst the swelling still hasn't gone down enough for it to be fully assessed, he will be out for some time.

Rangel was the subject of a heavy challenge from Kalvin Phillips in the dying embers of the game and he too faces a spell on the treatment table. He's torn a thigh tendon and will not be available for two months.

It's also now been revealed that another on loan star, Tomer Hemed, could be out as well. He's been struggling with a groin problem and will miss this weekend's clash with Middlesbrough. If an injection doesn't sure the problem, he too could be missing over the festive period.

The Verdict

This is not good news for Steve McClaren at all. Those three, over and above any others, have driven the club forward over the past few months. They all arrived with Rangers at a low ebb and all three helped elevate them above the strugglers and into the top half of the table.

To lose one would be a blow, to lose two would hurt them significantly, but all three? Who knows where the Hoops go from here.