Chair, Kemper and Lloyd could be fit for QPR at Southampton

Julien Stephan is cautiously optimistic that Ilias Chair will be available for QPR’s trip to Southampton along with Boy Kemper and Alfie Lloyd.

Jake Clarke-Salter is a doubt for Saturday’s game, but head coach Stephan currently believes that Kemper, Chair and Lloyd will be fit.

Kemper, hugely impressive recently since returning from an ankle injury, hobbled off during the 5-0 hammering of Swansea at the weekend.

Stephan indicated after the match that the early signs were that the injury was not a cause for alarm and that Kemper seemed likely to be ready for the visit to the south coast.

And that is still the case, despite the Dutch left-back having missed training in the early part of the week.

Stephan explained: “Boy didn’t train but – and I’m not a doctor – I think it will be OK for the end of the week. I think so.

“There is more of a question mark around Jake Clarke-Salter. I don’t know if he will be available by the end of the week.”

Clarke-Salter, who has made nine appearances for the R’s this season, sat out the Swansea game.

Lloyd, meanwhile, scored in the 4-1 home win against Derby but has missed the two matches since.

Chair has not featured since going off after 14 minutes of the home game against Middlesbrough on 5 September but is hoping to be involved against the Saints.

“Alfie has trained in part of the session and now hopefully he will be completely involved, and the same for Illy,” said Stephan.

“I want to say it’s quite positive, but I have to wait until the big (training) session (on Wednesday) to be sure that they are available for the next game. It’s a little bit early in the week.

“But it’s quite positive that for both it will be OK.”