QPR setback hints at potential nightmare season for outstanding player - opinion

QPR winger Karamoko Dembele has the potential to be a season-defining player for the 2025/26 campaign but to do that he must stay injury free.

The 22-year-old joined the R’s last summer from Ligue 1 side Brest and made an immediate impact. Initially arriving on loan, that temporary move was made permanent after just a handful of appearances.

Dembele offers a lightning quick turn of pace and a low centre of gravity that makes him hard to knock off the ball. When rising through the ranks at Celtic he was even compared to superstar Lionel Messi thanks to the way he can glide forwards across the pitch.

Karomoko Dembele impresses over QPR debut campaign

The Championship is a notoriously physical league but proved little problem for the rising star, who also has a firecracker of a shot on him. Dembele picked up two assists in his first two league outings last season and got his first goal in the clash against Portsmouth in October. What followed was an injury that required knee surgery and the winger didn’t feature for QPR between late October and late February.

Dembele was a huge miss for the side. On his return, once fully fit, he picked up another two goals and an assist over the final six Championship matches of the season.

For Julien Stephan, keeping Dembele fit and available is a top priority next term given that the player has the ability to change the outcome of a game. However, that has not got off to the best start.

QPR star picks up knock in pre-season

The winger picked up an injury problem in the first half of the 2-1 win over Toulouse. While Stephan is confident that it is just a small setback, it’s a worrying sign that the player’s injury woes may not yet be over.

Speaking after the win, Stephan told West London Sport: “It’s not a strong shock. He struggled at the end of the first half, so we didn’t want to take any risks. I’m not sure if he will be OK for Wednesday, but I hope perhaps for next Saturday or the next game. I don’t think it’s a long injury.”

Dembele was perhaps the biggest miss last season, but not the only QPR player who struggled with injuries. Jake Clarke-Salter, Ilias Chair, Zan Celar and Michael Frey were others who all spent time on the sidelines.

Speaking more generally about fitness, Stephan added: “Nico [Madsen] will restart training sessions on Monday so will probably play a few minutes on Wednesday and more on Saturday. For the other players, Michi and Jonathan Varane, the next week probably.

“It’s a good intensity with hot temperatures also, so it’s difficult for the players, but they gave a lot on the pitch and I’m happy for that. I think all the players increased their level and standards, tactically and physically. This is the goal of the pre-season, to be better game after game. It was a good moment today and a good step against a good team.”

Those are promising words from Stephan - another season without key stars would be a nightmare for QPR.

In other news, Tottenham should ask Millwall or QPR to take 'outstanding' midfielder on loan - opinion.