QPR’s Willock passed fit for Reading game

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QPR: Chris Willock

QPR forward Chris Willock has been passed fit to face Reading on Saturday after recovering from a minor knee problem sustained against Swansea on Tuesday.

The in-form 23-year-old, who has stepped up impressively in the absence of Ilias Chair, was taken off 10 minutes from time in the 0-0 draw at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium.


Willock has been involved in seven of the eight goals QPR have scored in their past five matches and very much softened the blow of losing Chair, who will be part of the Morocco squad that faces Egypt for a place in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals on Sunday.

Rangers boss Mark Warburton confirmed he should have a full squad, apart from Andre Gray and Seny Dieng who are also on international duty, to choose from to face the Royals in a match his fourth-placed side need to win to consolidate their place in the top six and keep pressure on the teams above them.

“We have had a chance since the Swansea game to iron a few things out,” Warburton said.

“Obviously we have Andre away, Ilias away and Seny away, but apart from that we have a fit squad and I have 19 players so will definitely be able to name a full bench this week.”

Rangers drew 3-3 with Reading earlier in the season and have not beaten the Royals since Warburton took over in May 2019, with three of the last five meetings ended in a draw.

Veljko Paunovic’s team are enduring a torrid season, having had six points deducted for breaching profit and sustainability regulations, and head into this match on the back of five successive defeats – including a humiliating FA Cup loss to sixth-tier outfit Kidderminster Harriers.

However, Warburton insists they are in a false position in the table.

“They have very good attacking options, (Lucas) Joao, (George) Puskas, (John) Swift in behind, (Yakou) Meite coming back after an ACL injury, (Ovie) Ejaria, they are a very talented team,” he said.

“Any team would be foolish to underestimate Reading.”

Meanwhile, QPR are looking to complete a deal to sign Swansea’s Jamie Paterson – and Jordy de Wijs could make a surprise loan move.