All-clear for QPR striker Kone after injury scare

Richard Kone has been given the all-clear after going off in the final stages of QPR’s defeat at Birmingham on Saturday.

Kone, who has struggled for fitness and form so far this season, recently suffered a knee injury while playing for Rangers’ development side.

And it was feared he had suffered another significant setback when he left the field at St Andrews, where he had been sent on as a second-half substitute.

Rangers, who lost 3-0, ended the match with 10 men as they had already made all their permitted substitutions when Kone went off.

But tests have shown no cause for major concern, and the striker is expected to train this week and be available for Saturday’s home game against Championship leaders Swansea City.

The loss to Birmingham meant QPR dropped from fifth to ninth in the table.

It was their second league defeat of the season and first away from home.

“We don’t have to forget what the players have done since the start of the season,” said head coach Julien Stephan.

“This is only the second defeat, and the second defeat after 11 games of the season with the (player unavailability) situation we had to manage I think is not too bad.”

Stephan also said he is unsure whether Ilias Chair will be available to return for the Swansea game. Rumarn Burrell is not expected to be involved.

“We have another game – a very tough game at home against the leaders – and now we have to focus on that,” Stephan added.

Meanwhile, Karamoko Dembele is returning to action today after a long-term knee injury.

Dembele has been selected to play for Rangers’ development side in a match against Bristol City.