NafisaMidfielder Sam Field sustained an ankle injury during QPR’s defeat to Portsmouth last month, potentially ruling him out for the remainder of the Championship season.
The loss of Field is a significant blow for QPR, who remain in contention for a play-off spot despite currently sitting 14th in the table, eight points off the top six. After an impressive run over the festive period and New Year, the team had positioned itself as a play-off contender, but recent defeats to Sheffield United, Portsmouth, and Coventry City have dented their chances. Field’s extended absence further complicates matters for head coach Marti Cifuentes.
QPR Confirms Field’s Injury Timeline
Field was absent from the squad for the recent match against Sheffield United, with Cifuentes later confirming that the midfielder faces a long recovery. On Tuesday, the club provided an official injury update detailing the extent of the setback.
A club statement read:
“The club would like to provide supporters with an injury update as we head into the final 11 fixtures of the 2024/25 season. All timelines are subject to the players continuing on their current rehabilitation paths.
“Unfortunately, Sam Field sustained an ankle injury following a tackle in our fixture at Portsmouth on February 22nd. The midfielder will now start a rehabilitation process with a projected return to full fitness in 6-9 weeks.”
Field has been a key figure under Cifuentes, missing just one Championship match this season due to suspension. His influence in midfield was crucial in last season’s battle to avoid relegation.
Speaking after Field scored twice in a 2-0 win over Oxford United in December, Cifuentes said:
“He has been playing in the number six and number eight. Every time he plays number eight he shows the capacity to get into the second line and get onto the second ball.
“We need to keep encouraging him. It was not an easy decision to drop Kieran Morgan after a fantastic performance against Norwich, but we felt it was important to introduce some fresh legs. Sam is an important person in the dressing room.”
Rayan Kolli Nears Return Ahead of Key Fixtures
There was some positive news in QPR’s injury update, as young forward Rayan Kolli is closing in on a return. The 20-year-old has made a significant impact this season with key goals against Norwich City, Preston North End, and Plymouth Argyle.
The club confirmed:
“Rayan Kolli has been sidelined for the past fortnight but is on course to rejoin full training with the squad by the middle of March.”
This could make Kolli available for upcoming clashes against Leeds United and Stoke City. QPR will host the league leaders at Loftus Road on March 15 before traveling to the Midlands on March 29.
Kolli, who also delivered a goal and an assist in the FA Cup tie against Leicester City, earned praise from Cifuentes after the Preston victory. The coach said:
“He did brilliant and I am very happy for him because it is not easy to play against such physical defenders as Preston has.
“He did really well with the way he linked up the game, the way he held up the ball, the way he ran in behind, it was a very good performance.”
Additional Injury Updates
- Jake Clarke-Salter is progressing well after undergoing hip surgery in January and is in the early stages of rehabilitation.
- Harvey Vale is working through the first phase of his rehab for a lower back injury. He is expected to begin more intensive training next month, with a return to pitch-based work planned for April.
With crucial fixtures approaching, QPR will be hoping for a swift recovery for their sidelined players as they look to stay in the race for a play-off spot.
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