Julien Stephan said QPR could have Ilias Chair, Boy Kemper and Alfie Lloyd available for Saturday’s trip to Southampton, but he stopped short of giving a full guarantee before the final training session of the week. Jake Clarke-Salter remains the clearest doubt, leaving the squad update split between three players who may return and one who may not make it.
The timing matters because QPR need the answer now, not after kickoff. Kemper hobbled off in the 5-0 defeat by Swansea at the weekend and then missed training early in the week, while Chair has not featured since going off after 14 minutes against Middlesbrough on 5 September. Lloyd, meanwhile, scored in the 4-1 home win against Derby before missing the next two matches, so Stephan’s latest view gives QPR a possible lift before the south coast trip.
Stephan sounded more encouraged than alarmed about Kemper, saying the early signs suggested the injury was not serious and that the player seemed likely to be ready for the visit to the south coast. On Chair and Lloyd, he pointed to partial training and said he hoped both would be fully involved, adding that it was quite positive for the pair. That is the clearest sign yet that QPR may regain some attacking and creative options for Saturday.
Clarke-Salter is the complication. Stephan said there was more of a question mark around the defender and that he did not know if he would be available by the end of the week. He has made nine appearances this season and sat out the Swansea game, so QPR may still have to go into the match without him even if Chair, Kemper and Lloyd come through Wednesday’s big session without issue.
That is why Wednesday now carries so much weight for QPR. Stephan has already said he wants to wait for the full session before being sure the players are ready, and that leaves the final call hanging over the side until later in the week. For now, Southampton Vs QPR looks like a test of depth as much as form, with one doubt still open and three more players trending in the right direction.
