QPR handed 'farcical' injury blow ahead of Swansea City and Derby County

QPR have been handed yet another injury setback with the progress of Jake Clarke-Salter, just as the defender looked to be ready for a return to first team action.

The 28-year-old had become a key part of the R’s side since arriving at Loftus Road from Chelsea in 2022 but injuries have hampered his progress in recent seasons. Clarke-Salter only managed 11 Championship appearances last term and is yet to feature for the first team this season.

The defender last played a match for QPR in the 6-2 Carabao Cup defeat to Leicester City in January and has been sidelined with a hip injury since. Clarke-Salter underwent successful surgery in January and had finally been getting close to a first team return this week.

Jake Clarke-Salter handed another injury setback

Clarke-Salter appeared to be close to returning when making an appearance for the Development Squad against Swansea City at the end of September. The centre-back lasted just 11 minutes in that match before being removed as a precaution.

Prior to that, Stephan had said: “With good management of his load, I think he is able to come back very strong – physically and mentally. He could be a big strength for us for the future because we know he’s a very good defender, left-footed – and we don’t have a left-footed centre-back, so it makes a big difference in terms of angles and passes. But we need to be patient as well with him. We want to give him the confidence that he needs.”

An injury update from the club last week then suggested that Clarke-Salter was fully fit once again. The player was said to have returned to full training over the international break and was ‘available for selection’.

QPR star a doubt for Swansea City and Derby County

Clarke-Salter didn’t make the squad to face Millwall but was once more named in the starting XI for the Development Squad against AFC Bournemouth on Monday, alongside fellow returning first team colleagues Ilias Chair and Kwame Poku.

In an almost farcical turn of events, Clarke-Salter lasted just 30 minutes before having to come off due to injury. There is some good news for QPR with an update from the QPR Development Squad News page on X claiming that it was not an aggravation of the existing injury and as a result of a stamp from an opposition player.

That would suggest that the player does not face another lengthy lay-off but it remains to be seen whether Clarke-Salter will be fit enough to be handed minutes against Swansea City on Wednesday night or against Derby County on Saturday.

Stephan’s side travel to Wales for an early six-pointer against the Swans, with just two points and two places separating the two sides. Derby County sit further down the Championship table in 21st.

In other news, Millwall Massimo Luongo injury update as Swansea City boss sent strong message ahead of QPR - round-up.