Queens Park Rangers boss Steve McClaren is hoping that Luke Freeman will be available to face Leeds United this evening in the Sky Bet Championship.

McClaren was without the influential Freeman when QPR took on Middlesbrough at the weekend, with the R’s suffering a 2-0 defeat without the playmaker in their side.

Yet, the hip injury isn’t as serious as first feared, with McClaren insisting that there’s a chance the 26-year-old will be back to take on the promotion-chasing Whites.

“We’re hoping Luke will be available,” McClaren revealed to Football.London.

"We missed him, his creativity. It’s not as bad as we first thought and there’s a chance for Tuesday or next Saturday.”

Whilst QPR are looking like they’ll make a late decision on Freeman and his availability, Marcelo Bielsa has taken his usual tactic and opted to name Leeds’ side over 24 hours before the match.

Bielsa revealed to Adam Pope at BBC Leeds that it’ll be the same XI that beat Bolton Wanderers on Saturday, meaning Tyler Roberts continues in the No.10 role in the absence of Kemar Roofe.

[ad_pod ]

 

In addition to that, Barry Douglas and Gaetano Berardi are fit enough for a place on the bench following injury.

The R’s are looking to avoid an eighth consecutive Championship defeat. McClaren’s side last recorded a victory on Boxing Day.

The Verdict

Freeman is such an important player for QPR. He’s scored six goals and registered four assists in the Championship this season, with that kind of influence from midfield vital against a side like Leeds.

There isn’t much to play for, in terms of the play-offs, for the R’s, but they need to stop the slide they are on and a win against Leeds could be huge for them.

You feel the only way they’ll do that is with Freeman available.

Thoughts? Let us know!