QPR warned of 'big problem' that "disrupts' the team - It's not ideal for Julien Stephan | OneFootball

FLW's QPR fan pundit has highlighted the one major issue plaguing the club at the moment

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

QPR had a busy summer after they appointed Julien Stéphan as Martí Cifuentes’ successor as manager.

The Hoops brought in nine new permanent players, as well as securing a loan deal with Sheffield United for Rhys Norrington-Davies.

A number of players also departed Loftus Road, including Kenneth Paal and Morgan Fox, with the likes of Zan Celar and Hevertton also going out on loan.

With the window now closed, the club’s attention will now turn to getting the best out of their current squad, as the London outfit looks to improve on their 15th place finish in the Championship last season.

QPR injury issues highlighted

When asked what their biggest concern with the club is right now, FLW’s QPR fan pundit Louis Moir highlighted their consistent injury issues.

He highlighted Kwame Poku’s injury in his debut as an example of the persistent fitness problems that have plagued the squad recently.

“I think probably the biggest concern I still have is more worry that injuries and inconsistency will be our downfall,” Moir told Football League World.

“I say downfall, that’s harsh, but which may not allow us to become as consistent as we like.

“We’ve still got a few players that haven’t played minutes at all this season, didn’t feature in pre-season, they’re not going to be up to speed when they come back.

“With our injury record, and players coming back a bit and then being out again.

“Prime example: Poku, first game, injury, out.

“It disrupts the balance of the team, and it would be nice to just see a starting XI, or near-enough the same starting XI for even five games in a row because you want consistency, you want to get your best team out most games.

“That’ll make things gel quicker, they’ll click easier.

“You look at players like, for example, Dembele. He’ll go down most games, but then he’s alright, but then it’s just that risk of injury.

“And say he went out, and then you’ve got someone being put in, I just feel that’s going to be really hard if that continues to happen.”

QPR’s consistency problem

Moir believes that injuries have prevented a clear starting XI from forming, which would allow players to click and gel more quickly, stressing the importance of keeping everyone fit.

“What team does really well in a season when they’re swapping and changing their XIs? The backline, centre-halves get changed, you want those positions, the two there playing together as much as they can to form a partnership,” he added.

“You want arguably the front three behind the striker, the same ones playing to form partnerships.

“So, fingers crossed the injuries just stop, or let’s say they’re not as bad as last season, because that will be a big problem for us again because we’ll get to a point where it’s just impossible to become consistent or get any momentum going.”

QPR have had a slow start to the new Championship season, winning just one of their opening four games.

Stéphan’s side also had the disappointment of suffering a humiliating 7-1 loss to Coventry City.

Next up for the Hoops is a trip to face Wrexham on 13 September in a 3pm kick-off.

QPR have to iron out their injury issues

To a certain extent, injuries can just be bad luck and there are some things that just can’t be prevented.

However, the consistency of problems occurring at Loftus Road does suggest that work needs to be done somewhere to help players maintain their fitness.

This is work that could take time to fix, but it’s a long-term investment that could really benefit the players.

It’s hard to imagine QPR getting far in the league as long as they are unable to consistently put out their best team, no matter what the squad looks like or who is in the dugout.