Cousins still struggling but Polter can start for QPR

Sebastian Polter has been passed fit to start for QPR against Fulham but Jordan Cousins has been all but ruled out.

Both Rangers players suffered injuries during last Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Birmingham.

Striker Polter picked up an ankle knock after coming on as a substitute against the Blues and was not fit enough to start in the midweek draw at Burton, where he equalised after coming off the bench.

The German has since returned to full training and is expected to start up front at Craven Cottage.

Idrissa Sylla appears to have fully recovered from illness and is also in the R’s squad.

But Cousins, who has a hamstring problem and missed out at Burton, is still struggling.

And summer signing Yeni Ngbakoto, who has been nursing a thigh problem, remains a doubt.

Rangers will be without Jake Bidwell as the left-back faces up to four months on the sidelines after suffering a dislocated shoulder during the Burton game.

Joel Lynch is set to replace Bidwell on Saturday but James Perch is expected to be available after the international break.

Perch, who has produced some of his best performances for QPR at left-back, was stretchered off during the recent 6-0 defeat against his former club Newcastle.

He injured his ankle as well as his knee but suffered no major ligament damage.