QPR give Luongo time off ahead of World Cup
QPR have announced that Massimo Luongo will not play for them again this season as he prepares for the World Cup.
The Australia international will not be involved in the final two games of the Championship campaign, having reached an agreement with the club.
It is standard practice for players to be given at least six weeks off each summer, meaning those involved in international tournaments return to training ahead of a new domestic season significantly later.
Rangers, already well safe from relegation, and Luongo have therefore decided that he should have two of those weeks off now and return for pre-season training with them sooner than he would have otherwise.
After speaking to the manager and club, we have decided to end my season now and for me to recharge in preparation for the WC. This season has had its ups and downs but would like to thank all the @QPRFC fans for their continued support. See you next season! pic.twitter.com/KJyEvq7VYd
— Massimo Luongo (@MassLuongo) April 26, 2018
Manager Ian Holloway explained the decision on the club’s website, saying: “We’ve had to think a bit long-term with this one because our priority is his health and well-being ahead of next season.
“With that in mind – and to ensure he is back up and running as quickly as possible in pre-season – we have given him a couple of weeks off to rest up ahead of him meeting up with the Socceroos, which will, in turn, allow us to get him back quicker than normal after the World Cup.
“At the same time, it will allow me to have a look at some of our younger midfielders in the last two matches of the season, so it’s a win-win from that point of view.”
