QPR and Leeds United boost as Sunderland suffer 'major injury blow' ahead of fixtures

QPR have received a boost ahead of this weekend's long trip to the North East to take on Sunderland in the Championship as the Black Cats will be without centre-back Jenson Seelt. The positive for the Rs comes as a blow for the player and Black Cats, with the 20-year-old set for a lengthy period on the sidelines.

The Dutchman had started Sunderland's last four Championship outings and picked up a knee injury during the 4-2 defeat to Southampton. The severity of that injury was yet to be confirmed but an emotional post from the defender on social media has now hinted that it will not be a quick fix.

Seelt wrote on Instagram: "I'm gutted to share the news that I suffered a knee injury during the game against Southampton. This has taken me by surprise and I will be out for a long period of time. For now, I need to focus on my recovery and do everything in my power to come back better and stronger than ever. In all difficulties during life, there are lessons and things to turn into positivity."

It leaves Sunderland interim head coach Mike Dodds with a dilemma ahead of welcoming Marti Cifuentes' side to the Stadium of Light this weekend. Luke O'Nien is suspended and Dan Ballard is a major doubt, having suffered a hamstring injury in the second half of the meeting with Southampton. Nectarios Triantis is on loan at Hibernian and that leaves only Leo Hjelde as the natural centre-back option - but the player has been preferred at left-back and made just 9 Championship appearances this season.

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The injury blow will no doubt motivate QPR and upcoming Sunderland opponents. The Rs have physical strikers in Michael Frey, Lyndon Dykes and Sinclair Armstrong, who can cause defences problems.

QPR are looking to bounce back from home defeat to Middlesbrough last time out but will be buoyed by away wins against Leicester City and Bristol City on their last two trips. Seelt's injury news will also pique the interest of Cardiff City, Blackburn Rovers, Bristol City and Leeds United, who all face the side over the coming weeks with some of those clubs needing results to keep on promotion charges and relegation fights.