QPR team news confirms 'big weapon' boost against Sheffield United in West Brom blow

QPR have been handed a fitness boost ahead of upcoming Championship clashes with West Brom and Middlesbrough with the return of midfielder Lucas Andersen to the matchday squad today.

The R's host second place Sheffield United at Loftus Road today and head coach Marti Cifuentes had hoped to have Andersen back available again. Speaking following the 2-1 defeat to Portsmouth at Fratton Park, Cifuentes said: “I’m also optimistic about Lucas (Andersen) being ready for the next game. It’s more players ready to contribute and hopefully this will be a big weapon, a big strength for us in the last 12 games.”

Andersen makes the bench on Saturday afternoon and it remains to be seen whether the 30-year-old is afforded any minutes immediately. The midfielder could be in with a chance of starting against West Brom at The Hawthorns next weekend or the trip to Middlesbrough on March 11.

Lucas Andersen returns from injury

The midfielder hasn't featured since the 1-1 draw with Norwich City at the end of December, coming off after 58 minutes in that match. Andersen had made 22 Championship appearances before that point with one goal to his name, in the 3-1 defeat to the Baggies on the opening day of the season. The attacking midfielder also picked up an assist against West Brom last term, his return to fitness ahead of those opponents a particular boost.

Andersen had become a key player in Cifuentes' QPR system with one goal and three assists over the back end of last season having arrived from Danish side AaB Aalborg last January.

The player's minutes were reduced this season as a result of the emergence of Kieran Morgan from the Development Squad. Cifuentes worked with Andersen for a year while at Aalborg previously.

Speaking when arriving at Loftus Road just over a year ago, Andersen said: “I am so excited. This is a big opportunity, and I am really grateful and proud to represent the club and play in a historical stadium.

"In Denmark, English football is very popular. You hear a lot about the Premier League and the Championship so I am really looking forward to it. This is another dream come true for me. I will do everything to achieve what is possible.”

Marti Cifuentes gaining strength in depth

The return of Andersen to fitness comes after the long-awaited comeback of Kader Dembele against Portsmouth last weekend as Cifuentes is given a rejuvenated squad.

Writing in his matchday programme ahead of taking on Sheffield United, the Catalan said: “One of the best pieces of news for us in that game [vs Portsmouth] was having Kadi Dembele back on the pitch for the first time in four months.

“Everyone loves Kadi, he’s a quality player and he has been working hard to come back after injury. Of course we will need to be patient with him after that length of time out, but we are all glad he is back with us and ready to contribute again.”

In other news, this is how to Opta predicted table believes the season will end for QPR, Millwall, Watford and rivals.