Marti Cifuentes will have to make do without his young goalscorer for a couple of weeks.

QPR will be without striker Rayan Kolli against Derby County on Friday and for the trip to Portsmouth next weekend in a significant blow for the London outfit.

The 19-year-old has been a breakthrough star this season and has led the line in the absence of Michael Frey and Zan Celar at times. Kolli has five goals in all competitions, all coming since the start of December.

The teenager last scored in the 1-0 win over Plymouth Argyle and has been on target against Preston North End and Norwich City. He also picked up a goal and assist against Leicester City in the 6-2 FA Cup defeat in January.

QPR confirm injury blow

Kolli was left out of the QPR matchday squad against Coventry City on Tuesday night for the first time since November. A short post on social media platform X by the club confirmed that was due to injury.

QPR said: "Rayan Kolli hasn’t travelled due to injury. He’s anticipated to return to action next month."

That will leave Frey to lead the line against Derby County and Portsmouth. The 30-year-old has six Championship goals this season despite missing a chunk of the campaign with a calf problem.

Speaking about Kolli recently, QPR head coach Marti Cifuentes praised the youngster's development. The Catalan coach said: "He got some big moments with some goals against Norwich and so on. But I actually think that he was already showing a lot of good things last season when I arrived here. So I was very positive (about his prospects).

"I'm very happy that he committed his future to the club. I'm sure that we have not seen yet his ceiling. He has talent, that he's improving some areas of his game that he knows that he can develop. But I'm very happy with him.”

Kolli ‘delighted’ to sign new QPR deal

Kolli was awarded a new contract in January to reflect his contributions to the first team. On signing that deal, he said: “I am very excited – this is home! I am delighted to be here and to carry on developing here.

“I can’t really describe it or put it into words. This is my club. QPR is all I have known so carrying on my journey here is amazing.

“I remember myself as a young ballboy seeing all those goals go in (at Loftus Road), and I would always say to myself: ‘That’s going to be me one day.”

CEO Christian Nourry added: “Rayan has been at QPR for 11 years, with support in that period of time from a myriad of dedicated coaches, educators and mentors who care so passionately about the club.

“The fact that Rayan and the club are continuing this journey together is thanks to them and his tenacity. Recent significant credit must go to Martí, Xavi (Calm) and the rest of the coaching staff for the work that has been achieved with Rayan to date.

“As we put pen to paper, Rayan is acutely aware that the hardest work remains ahead of him as he strives to bring success to the club he loves so much.”

In other news, Crystal Palace are racing against Rangers to sign a rising League One star in a 'classic' Eagles swoop.