Harry Redknapp has lamented the loss of "key players" as Queens Park Rangers suffered a blow in their promotion bid following the 1-1 draw with Leeds United.
The R's extended their winless streak in the Championship to five matches after being held by United at Loftus Road today, resulting in a potential nine-point gap between them and the final automatic promotion place.
Redknapp boasts an extensive injury list in the form of Niko Kranjcar, Matty Phillips, Danny Simpson, Andy Johnson and top scorer Charlie Austin, and the veteran manager admits that the playoffs may be a more viable target as a result of his absentees.
"If I was picking my best team today I think I've got six or seven players missing. It's very difficult, these are key, key, key players," he told Sky Sports News.
"We will keep going and if it means going through the play-offs at the end of the year we've got to make sure we get there and then we'll go from there."
Ross McCormack fired Leeds ahead on 14 minutes in West London before Jermaine Jenas equalised on the stroke of half time as both sides were made settle for a point.
