QPR are gearing up for a tough stretch of matches, starting with a trip to Burnley this weekend before hosting high-flying Sunderland at Loftus Road in early November. The team’s recent form has been shaky, but they managed to snap a four-game losing streak with a 1-1 draw against Coventry City, thanks to a crucial goal from 18-year-old Kieran Morgan. However, the road ahead looks even more challenging for manager Marti Cifuentes, as his side faces two of the top three teams in the Championship in their next two fixtures.
The first test will be at Turf Moor on Saturday against Burnley, followed by a home clash with Sunderland. Both clubs are in great form and would have already been confident about their chances against a struggling QPR side, but the recent news of injuries to key players will likely boost their hopes further. Defender Kenneth Paal, who has been a consistent starter for QPR this season, was forced off after just nine minutes against Coventry due to a thigh injury, while striker Michael Frey was absent from the matchday squad with a minor calf issue. Both players remain doubtful for the upcoming matches, adding to Cifuentes’ challenges.
Cifuentes addressed the injuries after the Coventry match, explaining Paal’s situation: “It’s a muscular issue in his thigh. We need to see what’s going on there; probably tomorrow he is going to have some tests.” He also commented on Frey’s absence, saying, “Yesterday he got a calf feeling in training, it’s a small injury, so we’ll see if he’s ready for Saturday.”
Despite these setbacks, QPR received a bit of positive news in midweek. Defender Jake Clarke-Salter made his return to action, playing a full 90 minutes for the first time since the 1-1 draw with Millwall last month. The former Chelsea defender had been missing from recent matches against Blackburn, Hull, and Derby but returned to the squad last weekend against Portsmouth. His performance against Coventry was a welcome boost for the team.
Cifuentes spoke highly of Clarke-Salter after the defender signed a new contract earlier this month, praising his leadership and technical ability: “I’m very happy because he’s a fantastic football player and a great guy in the changing room with fantastic leadership. He sets high standards and is one of the players helping to shape the culture we want at this club. There aren’t many left-footed center-backs in this league with his qualities, so this is very good news for the club and for him, as it shows his commitment to our project.”
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