Blow for QPR as Cameron and Rangel face lengthy spells out
QPR have been dealt a major blow, with Geoff Cameron and Angel Rangel both facing lengthy spells on the sidelines.
On-loan Stoke City midfielder Cameron went off with an ankle injury during Saturday’s defeat at Leeds and tests have indicated he has suffered significant ligament damage.
And veteran right-back Rangel has torn a thigh tendon and faces two months out.
Rangel limped off during the final stages of the game at Elland Road, where Cameron was the victim of a crude challenge from Leeds’ Kalvin Phillips.
The swelling around Cameron’s ankle is still so severe it has not yet been possible to establish the full extent of the ligament damage the American has suffered.
But all the signs are that he will be out of action for some time.
There is also concern over Tomer Hemed, who will miss Saturday’s home game against Middlesbrough. He too could also be facing a prolonged spell on the sidelines.
Hemed has been struggling with a groin problem for some time.
The on-loan Brighton striker will need to see a specialist if an injection does not have the desired effect.
Furlong set for return
Rangel’s injury will pave the way for Darnell Furlong to return to the QPR side.
Rangel, who recently turned 36, last week had his contract extended until the end of the season, having impressed since being brought in on a short-term deal.
West London Sport had revealed that Rangel, then a free agent after being released by Swansea, where he spent 11 years, was being signed by the R’s.
He was recruited as cover while Furlong was out with a knee injury the Rangers academy product picked up during a pre-season friendly against AFC Wimbledon.
Having featured in a number of games for Rangers’ development side, Furlong made his first-team return in the defeat at Blackburn early last month.
That outing as a late substitute is Furlong’s only first-team appearance this season.
He missed three months of last term, also with a knee problem, and was excellent after returning to the side. Rangers will be hoping he can make a similar impact this time around.
Kakay to stay?
A knock-on effect of Rangel’s injury could be that Rangers scrap plans to send Osman Kakay out on loan in January.
West London Sport recently revealed that the youngster was set to sign a new deal and is among a number of fringe players being lined up for loan moves – the others include Paul Smyth and Sean Goss.
Furlong’s absence meant Kakay, 21, started the season in the Rangers side.
He was subsequently replaced by Rangel and nudged further down the pecking order by Furlong’s return to fitness, prompting Rangers to earmark him for a move elsewhere for the second half of the season.
But Kakay, whose contract has been extended to 2021, might now be needed at Loftus Road.
