Esquerdinha stretchered off as QPR draw at Oxford

Oxford 0

QPR 0

Esquerdinha was stretchered off as QPR played out a second successive goalless draw.

Rangers’ young Brazilian left-back suffered what appeared to be a very worrying-looking knee injury during the second half – but head coach Julien Stephan said afterwards that it “seems not too bad”.

In a game of few chances, played in wet and windy conditions, the visitors had a second-half let-off when Sam Long missed a sitter, firing over after being set up by former Chelsea and Brentford man Myles Peart-Harris.

Long was also denied by a fine save by keeper Joe Walsh, while QPR’s best opportunity fell to Paul Smyth, who was denied by Oxford keeper Jamie Cumming.

And in stoppage time, Daniel Bennie was just unable to reach substitute Harvey Vale’s cross.

Bennie and Esquerdinha were given starting places at the Kassam Stadium.

West London Sport recently revealed that Australian youngster Bennie, who has previously featured as a wide-player, was in line for a chance up front in the absence of the injured Rumarn Burrell.

Bennie was duly brought in for Rayan Kolli, while Esquerdinha replaced Rhys Norrington-Davies.

Ronnie Edwards, who has been building up his fitness following his recent move, was again an unused substitute.

QPR: Walsh; Mbengue, Dunne, Cook, Esquerdinha (Norrington-Davies 65); Dembele (Vale 85), Hayden (Field 76), Madsen, Smyth; Bennie, Kone (Kolli 76).
Subs not used: Hamer, Edwards, Morgan, Adamson, Smith.