QPR manager Julien Stephan has stated that Jonathan Varane, Paul Smyth, and Rumarn Burrell will all be available for Saturday’s game against Portsmouth after picking up injuries against Millwall the previous week.

The R’s began their season with an EFL Cup meeting against the Lions at Loftus Road, and after a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes, the tie was decided on penalties, with the hosts’ four attempts saved by Lukas Jensen, as Millwall triumphed 2-0 in the shootout.

Whilst that was a disappointment for QPR, there were some positives for Stephan to take, and, for many, the priority is the Championship.

QPR injury update ahead of Portsmouth game

This weekend, the Londoners travel to Fratton Park for the season’s first game, and they will regard it as an opportunity to establish an early lead.

After a fantastic pre-season that saw Stephan’s side score plenty of goals, fans will be curious to see how the side will play against a Pompey outfit that are always challenging opponents on their own turf.

After consulting with the R’s boss, reporter Jon Harland reported that there was encouraging news on the injuries front.

“Lamptey will be available “definitely” before the September international break, Stephan assures. Obikwu has resumed training. Varane, Burrell, and Smyth “had a shock” last week, but are well and ready for Saturday. “Everyone else fits.”

It was explained that the’shock’ was the trio’s slight injuries against Millwall, with Smyth and Burrell being replaced in the second half and Varane coming on as a substitute and finishing.

QPR will fancy their chances against Portsmouth in the Championship opener.
This is fantastic news for QPR because the three players listed will almost certainly participate in the game against Portsmouth, giving Stephan the majority of his team to choose from.

The R’s roster is full of potential, and they, like many other Championship clubs, will undoubtedly expect to benefit from the new play-off structure, even if there are clubs with more resources in the division.

QPR’s 2025/26 Championship record

Games

46

Won 16

Drawn

10 Lost

20 GD

-12 points, 58 positions, and 15th place.

Stephan and the recruitment team have assembled a young, eager squad, and after a promising first season in English football, the manager will believe he has learned a lot and understands where the team can grow.

A game at Fratton Park will put the team to the test in a variety of ways, but it is one that the R’s can absolutely win.

QPR will want to improve their roster before the transfer deadline.

However, while QPR has several outstanding players, the absence of Varane, Burrell, and Smyth would leave the squad looking light.

We know the Championship is a rigors league, and Stephan will believe they still need some more bodies through the door to keep up with the timetable.

The club has already addressed numerous crucial issues, most notably in goal, and Boy Kemper and Glen Kamara appear to be two astute purchases.

So, the R’s are not in a bad situation, and the recruitment team deserves respect for their efforts, but a few more signings will assure they are prepared for the challenges ahead.