New QPR update ft Ilias Chair revealed - Julien Stephan has confirmed it | OneFootball

The French boss has provided an injury update on the Moroccan alongside Harvey Vale and Sam Field

Queens Park Rangers head coach Julien Stéphan has delivered an injury update ahead of his side's Championship clash with Leicester City.

Speaking to the Hounslow Herald’s Jon Harland on Friday afternoon, the R’s boss revealed that two players have recovered from their respective injury problems and are set to feature at Loftus Road.

And even though one influential playmaker remains sidelined for the Foxes fixture, Stephan expects a certain Moroccan international to return to action in the coming weeks.

Julien Stéphan confirms Harvey Vale and Sam Field Queens Park Rangers return

Stêphan told Harland in his pre-match press conference that both Harvey Vale and Sam Field have battled back from spells on the sidelines to be declared fit ahead of the weekend encounter against the East Midlands side.

Chelsea academy graduate Vale has been absent in an R's shirt since the 8th of November when he played 18' minutes against Sheffield United. After beating Hull City 14 days later, the French boss explained how Vale had picked up a "little injury" in training.

Obviously, that 'little injury' has ended up being over one month long, but the 22-year-old is ready to contend for a starting berth once again.

As for Field, he suffered a groin problem against Norwich City in early December which meant he was pulled off at half-time - after grabbing an assist for Rumarn Burrell in the opening stages of the game.

Ilias Chair "to be available soon" for Queens Park Rangers

While the news surrounding Vale and Field is encouraging, Stephan confirmed that Ilias Chair will not feature against Leicester this weekend.

The attacking midfielder limped off during QPR's 3-1 victory over West Bromwich Albion two weeks ago, sustaining what the club later assessed as a muscle issue that has required further rehab work.

Chair, who had seemingly rediscovered his best form in recent weeks before the West Brom setback, will most likely use the coming days to build towards his return. He managed three goal contributions in the previous three games before getting injured in the Baggies game.

Stéphan's comments to Harland suggested that the 28-year-old is on an encouraging trajectory and could feature in upcoming fixtures, likely from next week onwards.

This timeline would potentially see Chair available for selection on Boxing Day, as the West London outfit take a trip to Portsmouth's Fratton Park.

Despite the injury challenges that have cropped up throughout December, QPR remain in a strong position in the Championship table. Stéphan's side have won four of their last six matches and sit within touching distance of the play-off places as they look to mount a sustained promotion push.

The return of Vale and Field to full squad availability, combined with the imminent return of Chair, significantly strengthens Stephan's options in each of their defence, midfield and attack.