QPR vs Sunderland team news - 'crucial' R's blow as Harrison Ashby and Eliezer Mayenda decisions made

QPR have been handed yet another defensive injury blow ahead of facing Sunderland this afternoon with centre-back Jake Clarke-Salter picking up another injury this week.

The 26-year-old has made just seven Championship appearances so far this term in an injury-ridden season. The defender is a key member of Marti Cifuentes' project at Loftus Road and impressed during the club's relegation battle last season.

As a result, the former Chelsea man had been linked with a summer transfer to the Premier League with Crystal Palace and Wolves interested in his services for a reported £10 million.  However, he ended up staying at Loftus Road and signed a fresh deal in September as the London outfit hailed a 'crucial' member of the squad.

Cifuentes has already been navigating the absences of Kenneth Paal and Morgan Fox in defence over the past few weeks. Summer signing Liam Morrison is also a longer term injury lay-off with the absence of Clarke-Salter against top of the table Sunderland yet another seismic blow.

Writing in his matchday programme notes on Saturday, Cifuentes said: "Unfortunately, in the days after we returned from Burnley the tests done by our medical team were not very positive. Morgan Fox has a small muscular injury on his groin and his progress will dictate the length of his rehab. In Kader Dembele's case, the tests revealed an injury in his meniscus that will require minor surgery and he will be out for some weeks.

"Jake Clarke-Salter reported a muscular injury on his calf and he could be out today as well, so we need to work together as a team more than ever to overcome these setbacks."

Cifuentes looks to be fielding midfielder Sam Field at centre-back once again, a position he has to play already this term. Meanwhile, Newcastle United loanee Harrison Ashby faces his North East rivals as he starts at left back for the second match in a row.

For the visitors, Regis Le Bris names Eliezer Mayenda in the matchday squad for the first time since September after the player was seen taking part in first team training this week. The 19-year-old had started the Black Cats’ first six Championship matches this term, bagging a brace in a 4-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday.

QPR starting XI - Nardi, Dunne, Cook, Field, Ashby, Madsen, Morgan, Varane, Smyth, Chair, Celar

Sunderland starting XI - Moore, Hume, Mepham, O’Nien, Cirkin, Neil, Jobe, Browne, Roberts, Mundle, Isidor