Young QPR keeper Walsh sidelined by hand injury

Young QPR goalkeeper Joe Walsh faces a spell on the sidelines after suffering a hand injury in training.

Walsh, 19, has been on the bench for Rangers while Seny Dieng has been with the Senegal squad at the Africa Cup of Nations.

But he was not in the squad for Wednesday’s game against Middlesbrough and will be out of action for several weeks.

“He’ll be out for a few weeks. It looked innocuous at first,” said manager Mark Warburton.

“He’ll have treatment on it early next week and unfortunately he will be out for a good few weeks.”

Meanwhile, Warburton is hopeful of having a fully-fit squad to choose from for Saturday’s game at Barnsley.

Stefan Johansen went off midway through the second half of the 2-2 draw with Boro having suffered with a stomach bug.

The captain is expected to be passed fit – but Warburton says he now has the options in the centre of midfield to rotate his squad.

“The medical boys are checking him (Johansen) and there were a couple with stomach upsets, whether it was something they drank, a caffeine shot maybe, I am not sure, but we are hopeful they will all be on the bus,” Warburton said.

“We have to look at the games and decide what are the home games where we really go on the front foot and attack teams which we know we are capable of doing.

“What are the games where we need men in there when you have tough venues to go to and you have to stand up. If you don’t win that physical side first the football doesn’t come through.

“It’s about having the depth and Jeff Hendrick showed the other night what he can do. Luke was unlucky not to play after doing so well against Reading but is a very talented boy.

“But the ones you feel for are the likes of Dom Ball and Andre Dozzell, Ossie Kakay, George Thomas, who have done so well for us but were not even in the squad – and I would have no problem starting them. Their time will come I am sure.”