QPR boss Harry Redknapp says Adel Taarabt needs to drop the kilos.
Taarabt has started only once, in the League Cup against Burton, and came on in the last minute in the league against Sunderland.
But the Moroccan turned his ankle again in training this week and Redknapp is growing frustrated that the player's weight is ballooning when he is out injured.
Redknapp said: "He's twisted his ankle, it's sore again, so we're back to square one with him. We just can't get him fit.
"It's difficult, he keeps trying to come back and it goes again. Do you rest him for a few weeks? But then while he's resting, is he going to put on weight? How're you going to get him fit? It's such a difficult job with him.
"He missed the pre-season, that's the problem. It's frustrating because he's a talent, I'd like to have him available against Stoke. He's got great ability."
