Madsen ‘OK now’ as Stephan gives QPR fitness update before Millwall tie | OneFootball

Julien Stephan says Nicolas Madsen is fine after his pre-season injury scare, and the midfielder could feature when QPR face Millwall in the League Cup on Saturday.

Hounslow Herald reports that Madsen, 26, was forced off against Fiorentina on 25 July and then missed the friendlies with Bromley and AFC Wimbledon. He rejoined the group on Sunday and completed a full session on Tuesday, having signed a contract extension earlier this summer after establishing himself last season.

Stephan noted Madsen has played fewer minutes than most in pre-season, not hitting the 90-minute benchmark during last week’s matches with Bromley and Wimbledon. Staff will manage his load, whether that means starting and coming off early or finishing the game. He is likely to be involved if the rest of the week goes smoothly, which so far appears the case.

Justin Obikwu, 22, is unavailable for the weekend despite returning to training after a long-term injury, and he needs more time than Madsen before a competitive outing.

Winger Kader Dembele remains in rehab following the ACL injury he suffered in February.

Stephan said the rest of the squad are in good shape heading into 2026-27. Injuries hampered his first season, when Rangers finished 15th, and he has since signed a new deal. The staff assessed last year’s issues and adjusted pre-season work to reduce risk, though he cautioned injuries cannot be eliminated and that, for now, everything is OK as competition starts.

Source: Hounslow Herald

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