New Queens Park Rangers manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink says he will not rush star striker Charlie Austin back into action as the forward returns to action after a calf injury.

Austin has been carrying the injury for some time, and Hasselbaink is considering bringing the 26-year-old back into the fold against leaders Brighton and Hove Albion on Tuesday night.

New manager wants Austin at peak condition

Speaking to West London Sport, former Burton Albion boss Hasselbaink stated that Austin had been available for QPR's goalless draw with Burnley at the weekend, but that he wants him "to be able to play 90 minutes" before he brings him back.

The Dutchman went on to say that he was "a big lover of Charlie Austin", describing him as "a very good striker", but noted that he had been out of action before own his arrival at the club.

It seems that Hasselbaink would rather take the short-term hit of playing on without his star asset in the team than risk aggravating the injury by rushing him back and lose him for a longer period of time.

Injuries could ward off Premier League interest

Austin has missed a number of games this season with hamstring and calf injuries, but he remains the club's top goalscorer with eight strikes to his name in all competitions so far this term.

Queens Park Rangers QPR striker Charlie Austin

Austin celebrates one of his eight goals this season - via Sky Sports

Ironically, his time off the pitch could prove to be beneficial for his side with Premier League suitors potentially put off his signature by his injury history.

Indeed, in the 2013 summer transfer window, a move to newly-promoted Hull City fell through after Austin failed his medical due to a knee problem.

Hasselbaink wards suitors away from top scorer

The forward pushed for an international call-up by scoring 18 goals in the top flight as the R's were relegated last season, and it had been expected that he would leave the club over the summer to further his personal ambitions.

Yet the club managed to keep him at Loftus Road and it appears that they will continue to try and do so, despite currently sitting in the bottom half of the Championship table.

Hasselbaink recently told the BBC that he would not be "pinched" despite only having six months remaining on his contract, as he is a "very important individual at this club".

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About the author
Sam France
Former Deputy Editor-in-Chief and Features Editor at VAVEL UK, part of the VAVEL team 2014-2018.