Sunderland face defensive injury crisis for QPR game

Sunderland have injury problems ahead of their trip to Loftus Road to face QPR.

The Black Cats, bottom of the Championship, are facing the prospect of Lamine Kone being their only fit centre-back.

John O’Shea limped out of Tuesday’s 3-0 home defeat by Aston Villa, on-loan Everton defender is out with a groin problem, and on-loan Chelsea youngster Jake Clarke-Salter is suspended.

Marc Wilson is back in training after injury but is not yet ready to play, leaving Sunderland boss Chris Coleman with a major problem.

Meanwhile, Alex Baptiste has been passed fit to return to the QPR squad after illness.