Julien Stephan was tight-lipped when asked about Rayan Kolli’s situation ahead of QPR’s visit to West Ham United following the ultimatum he gave to the 21-year-old in the lead-up to the international break.

The bright young prospect hasn’t made a matchday squad for the R’s this season, with the likes of Justin Obikwu, Alfie Lloyd and Leon Scarlett ahead of him in the pecking order for league minutes.

But it wasn’t an injury absence for Kolli with QPR coach Julien Stephan explaining during a fans’ conference before the international break. Stephan spoke about what he calls ‘non-negotiable’ attributes in his players, including as hard work and commitment in training on the pitch.

But with Richard Kone suffering a setback in the break in a development game against Bolton Wanderers and Rumarn Burrell set to miss out after picking up a knock while on duty with Jamaica, questions are being asked as to whether Kolli has done enough to step in and lead the line at West Ham on Friday night.

Rayan Kolli : Julien Stephan speaks out on predicament

Kolli has put in some solid performances in development games over the last several weeks and was also involved with the senior side in some behind-closed-doors friendlies over the break.

He starred against Fulham, scoring QPR’s sole goal in the 2-1 loss but also had a bicycle-kick goal chalked off.

The 21-year-old was absent from the development squad’s recent 4-0 defeat against Coventry City, sparking speculation as to whether he may feature for the first-team for the first time this season at the London Stadium on Friday night.

When asked if the injuries of Burrell and Kone would pave the way for Kolli to return, Stephan told West London Sport: “For me, Rayan’s situation is not aligned with the situation of our injuries.“If we have nine more injuries, if I think that Rayan does not deserve to be in the group he will not be in the group. And we can have all the guys available and if I think Rayan deserves to be on the pitch he will be on the pitch.

So the Rayan situation has nothing to do with the injuries. I responded in the fans forum, everyone knows the scenario. I love Rayan. I repeat it. “Rayan has been training with us for the last two weeks, he did well on the pitch and played the friendly games so he understands what he has to accomplish. Now we have to leave it to the pitch.When asked if Kolli had done enough on the pitch to earn a spot back in the competitive squad, Stephan was non-committal.””You’ll have the answer on Friday,” he added with a smile.

How QPR fans feel about potential Rayan Kolli return to action

Most QPR fans will agree with Julien Stephan’s reasoning that a player should have to earn his spot in the squad but there’s no doubt they have a liking for Kolli knowing the type of player he can be.

FLW’s Hoops fan commentator commented after the fans’ forum about his optimism for the 21-year-old to get a route back into the squad. After some impressive displays in games over the international break, supporters online feel it’s time for him to get a chance in the first team again.

“Kolli needs to be in Friday no brainer. One R’s supporter commented on X after the team announcement was passed on:Another said: ‘If Kolli doesn’t start I will be raging’.

One fan said: “It would be very egotistical and stupid of stephan if he doesn’t play Kolli on Friday #qpr” Another QPR fan replied: “Absolutely, I think at this moment they are frightened of playing him because he will simply smash it up and make them look ridiculous.

Kolli has had to be on the bench at least if not this is becoming absurd,” added another. Clearly they aren’t asking him to start but with the injury news all through the international break not to have him engaged seems counterproductive at this stage.

Rayan Kolli might make a case for a place in the QPR team for a big top of the table showdown with West Ham United

QPR have a crucial game on Friday night. The only downside to their fantastic start is the fact their fixture list has been fairly friendly and the one challenging game they played resulted in their sole loss of the season against Middlesbrough.

Easiest Championship starts this season (by opponent PPG)

Pos

Club

Opponent Pts/GP

1. Cardiff City

1.06

2. Swansea City 1.13 3. Portsmouth 1.14 4.

Queens Park Rangers

1.16

T-4.

Birmingham City FC

1.16 6.

Wolves #1.18

It will be a real test of the R’s play-off credentials as they travel to a West Ham team who have scored 13 in their past three league games at the London Stadium, and with the injury list stacked against them, a positive result would leave the travelling fans happy.

If Kolli is back in the team on Friday, he’ll have a great opportunity to declare himself as being back in the fold and show he can play a vital part in what Julien Stephan is creating at Loftus Road.

The Algerian has the quality as evidenced by him netting nine in 43 games over the last two league campaigns for a side that didn’t generate. QPR are a lot more exciting in attack now and Kolli might truly flourish.

To play a key role in a statement victory would not only make those away supporters overlook a perceived lack of effort so far this season, but would practically necessitate additional game time from Stephan himself.