It's been a strange past few seasons for Adel Taraabt. The winger was stripped of his QPR captaincy in the 2011-2012 campaign, failing to remain consistent before being sent on loan to Fulham and AC Milan, then ending up at Loftus Road again this season. The Moroccan winger, who set the Championship alight in 2010-11, helping his side to promotion, has not started a game for Harry Redknapp's side since their League Cup loss to Burton. Taraabt, 25, apparently can't be picked by Redknapp. Why is that?
"I can't protect people who don't want to run and train, and are about three stone overweight. He [Taraabt] is not fit to play football unfortunately," said the QPR boss. He added, "He played in a reserve game the other day and I could have run more than he did. I can't pick him."
According to Redknapp, his weight is not the only issue but also the attitude of the player, with his manager stating, "I pick people who want to try, who deserve to be at a good football club like QPR, who come in every day and want to work, train and show a good attitude. When he starts doing that, maybe he'll get a game."
Taraabt impressed quite a few whilst on loan at AC Milan last season and has shone in recent campaigns at Loftus Road but has failed to burst into the QPR starting XI following their promotion back into the English top flight.
This season may be a huge turning point in Taraabt's career, especially with his future at the club in doubt already. The 25-year old could prove pivotal later this season and help keep Queens Park Rangers in the Premier League, but as it stands right now, he will not feature for the West London club.
(quotes via BBC Sport)