QPR trio nursing knocks but are expected to be fit for Pompey game

Julien Stephan says he expects Rumarn Burrell, Jonathan Varane and Paul Smyth to shake off knocks in time for QPR’s opening Championship match of the season.

Burrell picked up a thigh problem during Saturday’s Carabao Cup tie against Millwall, while Varane and Smyth were also left nursing minor injuries.

But head coach Stephan believes all three players will be fit for this weekend’s game at Portsmouth.

“I think they will be OK and will be available,” said the Frenchman, who also believes recent signing Glen Kamara will be in the squad for the trip to the south coast.

Former Leeds midfielder Kamara, who has been brought in on loan from Rennes, did not feature against Millwall.

“He didn’t have a normal pre-season with his previous club – he didn’t play in the last four or five months – but he is a very experienced player and has trained with us,” said Stephan.

“If everything is OK this week he will probably be available for us. I don’t want to consider him like a starter for now, but to be on the teamsheet it can be an option.”

Tariq Lamptey is working his way back to fitness after a long-term injury and is “definitely” on course to play before next month’s international break, according to Stephan.

Justin Obiku returned to training on Monday after another injury problem.