Queens Park Rangers have confirmed that Federico Macheda is likely to be sidelined for the rest of the season with an ankle injury.
The 20-year-old, who moved to Loftus Road in January on a loan switch from Manchester United, has returned to Old Trafford for treatment.
The Italian frontman has made six appearances for the West London side but failed to clinch a starting spot in the Premier League.
Macheda struggled to secure a regular place in the side following the club's acquisitions of Bobby Zamora and Djibril Cisse.
