New Jake Clarke-Salter update emerges at QPR - Julien Stephan has confirmed what's happening | OneFootball

Jake Clarke-Salter has not featured for QPR since January

Julien Stéphan has provided an update on QPR defender Jake Clarke-Salter’s fitness following a minor setback.

The centre-back has been plagued with injury issues in the past, so supporters will be keen to see him stay away from the medical room.

The defender has not featured so far this season, with his last appearance in the side coming under Martí Cifuentes in a 6-2 loss to Leicester City in the FA Cup in January, with a hip injury keeping him out of action since then.

There were some concerns over the player suffering a setback in his recovery process after he played just 11 minutes for the development side in his first game in nine months earlier this week.

Clarke-Salter was only capable of 11 appearances in the Championship last year, including eight starts, as the team finished 15th in the table.

Jake Clarke-Salter fitness update

Stéphan has confirmed that Clarke-Salter has suffered a minor injury, and that he’s not expected to be out for too long.

The QPR boss is optimistic that the 28-year-old will be back on the training pitch as soon as next week, easing any fears over a possible longer-term absence.

“It’s just a little injury,” said Stéphan, via West London Sport.

“He will probably come back on the (training) pitch next week.

“He will come back quickly to the squad on the (training) pitch.

“I’m not worried about the situation.

“We just need to rebuild Jake because we know he’s a very good player and we want him back.”

Clarke-Salter has been a key figure on the pitch for QPR since his arrival from Chelsea on a permanent basis in 2022.

The defender built up a lot of experience at this level with loan moves to Coventry City, Birmingham City and Sunderland.

During his time at Loftus Road, the centre-back has played a total of 60 times in the Championship, with injuries preventing that number from growing any higher.

Stéphan will be hopeful that the defender can return to the side prior to the upcoming November international break, with the club aiming for a play-off push this season under the Frenchman.

Next up for QPR is a home clash against Ipswich Town on 1 November in a 3pm kick-off.

Jake Clarke-Salter injury concerns will haunt QPR

Clarke-Salter has performed well for QPR since joining the club three years ago, but he just hasn’t been available enough.

So supporters will be wary when he is missing through injury, but these comments from Stéphan should ease their worries for now.

If he is back on the training pitch next week, then he should be back in the side soon enough, potentially even before the next international break.