Rangers central defender Clarke Carlisle has been diagnosed with an alcohol-related illness and is currently undergoing treatment at the "Sporting Chance" clinic.
The 23-year-old was dropped at the weekend after missing training on Friday and after candid discussions between the player, Ian Holloway and chairman Nick Blackburn on Monday, it has been decided that Clarke will be absent from the Club for 28 days to undertake a recuperation programme.
Rangers chief executive David Davies confirmed that the club is fully supporting Clarke in his efforts and are looking forward to his return to Loftus Road.
"Clarke has recognised himself that he has a problem and we have all come to the conclusion that he needs treatment if he is to overcome it.
"In making the announcement we want to put a halt to all the unfounded speculation surrounding Clarke and to undermine our determination to help a player who is clearly going through a difficult time.
"The most important thing, above all other considerations, is that he is given the best possible opportunity to safeguard his health and future well-being, and that opportunity is best served spending time with Sporting Chance."
Sporting Chance Clinic was formed in September 2000 by the former Arsenal and England captain Tony Adams, and is a registered charity dedicated to providing support, counselling, treatment and aftercare to sportsmen and women who are suffering from addictive illnesses. Sporting Chance carries out its work with the full backing and support of the PFA.
Ian Holloway confirmed that the Club is right behind Clarke and he recognises how important it is for him to seek professional guidance in overcoming his problems.
"My job as manager is to support our players when they need help and I have nothing but admiration for Clarke to facing up to his problems and for being man enough to admit that he needs help.
"I hope that he will now have the full support of everybody associated with this Club and I am looking forward to him returning to Loftus Road better than ever before in a few weeks time."
The revelation of Clarke’s illness should now put to rest any on-going rumours of the defender leaving.