Michael Mancienne is set to make his long-awaited comeback from injury on Wednesday evening when he lines up for the Reserves against Crystal Palace.

The Chelsea loanee, who celebrates his 20th birthday today (Tuesday), hasn't featured for the R's since being forced off at Stoke City after just 20 minutes in November.

Head Physio Paul Hunter told www.qpr.co.uk: "Michael has worked very hard on his rehabilitation for his back and hamstring, and has now had some good training sessions with the first team.

"The natural progression for him now is to get some match time."

Having been unavailable for six weeks, Hunter is keen not to predict a potential date for Mancienne's return to the first team.

"He is set for some involvement at Palace on Wednesday, and we will review his availability for the first team after that," he said.

The Reserves take on Crystal Palace on Wednesday at Bromley FC, Hayes Lane. Kick off 7pm.