QPR boss would rather not risk Kolli
Marti Cifuentes admits he would rather not have to turn to Rayan Kolli in QPR’s vital game at Oxford United tonight.
Forward Kolli, 20, is one of several Rangers players to have been unavailable because of injury.
He recently returned to full training and is in the squad for the match at the Kassam Stadium.
A win would see the R’s take a big step towards Championship survival, whereas a defeat against their fellow strugglers could drag them into serious trouble.
Head coach Cifuentes would prefer to ease Kolli back into the team.
However, Alfie Lloyd, who was Rangers’ only fit centre-forward, aggravated a groin injury during Saturday’s goalless draw with Cardiff City.
That means Kolli is now the only available striker, with Michael Frey and Zan Celar still sidelined.
“He’s just had two (training) sessions with the team. Usually we’d like more, especially in his case – he has been struggling with some injuries,” said Cifuentes.
“We need to make sure that we take care of him, because he’s a player that we want to grow.
“It’s just about risk-assessing and understanding the game is very important but, at the same time, after this one will still be five games left.
“We will take the last decision speaking with him, speaking with the medical staff, and we’ll see what we can do.”
Captain Steve Cook also remains sidelined and Koki Saito will sit out the final game of a three-match ban.
