Queens Park Rangers could be without Massimo Luongo for a significant period in early 2019 after the midfielder was called up into the Australian squad for the upcoming Asia Cup.

Luongo is a regular in the Australia setup, with the R’s moving to confirm on their official website that the 26-year-old will be absent from Boxing Day when he links up with his international teammates.

Depending how far Australia progress in the 2019 tournament, Luongo could miss seven fixtures in total, whilst it is definite that the midfielder will be absent for at least four.

Steve McClaren will be without his midfielder for fixtures with Reading, Aston Villa, Leeds United (FA Cup) and Sheffield United.

Should Australia progress to the latter stage of the competition, Luongo could then miss fixtures with Preston, West Brom and Wigan.

So far this season, Luongo has been an ever-present in McClaren’s midfield, starting all 22 Championship fixtures.

Luongo has returned two goals in that time and has managed to form a solid partnership with the now injured, Geoff Cameron.

McClaren is likely to include Luongo this weekend against Nottingham Forest and on Boxing Day when Ipswich Town visit Loftus Road.

The Verdict

This is going to be a blow for QPR in the New Year, particularly if Luongo ends up missing seven fixtures.

The Australian might be a player that divides the opinion of some, but there’s no denying that he’s been important this season in midfield.

The R’s best performances this season have come with the 26-year-old involved.

Thoughts? Let us know!