Zamora eyes January return

QPR's Bobby Zamora is hopeful of returning from injury ahead of schedule and believes he is "four to five weeks" away.

The 31-year-old striker has not featured for the west Londoners since a 1-0 defeat at Stoke in November due to a hip injury. Zamora underwent surgery on the problem and had been expected to be out until the end of February, although he is progressing well and could be back a month earlier than planned.

"I'd like to think I'll be back available in the next four or five weeks," he told the club's official website, www.qpr.co.uk.

"I had an operation three weeks ago and am now working on getting fit. My fingers are crossed for a smooth recovery."