Johansen expected to be fit for QPR’s trip to Barnsley

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

Stefan Johansen exited the 2-2 draw with Middlesbrough midway through the second half 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.

Johansen and Sam Field started against Boro but new signing Jeff Hendrick, who was brought on in the second half, and Luke Amos, who did not get on the field on Wednesday, are both pushing for starts against the bottom-of-the-table Tykes.

Goalkeeper Seny Dieng has returned to training following his successful Africa Cup of Nations involvement with Senegal, but faces sitting on the bench should Warburton opt to stick with David Marshall, who has performed well during the absence of the Rangers number one.

Warburton hinted he may make changes against a side that have lost their past seven matches and are eight points from safety.

“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.”

Rangers came from 2-0 down to draw with Barnsley earlier in the season thanks to a last-minute Charlie Austin equaliser and Warburton has lost the four previous encounters with the South Yorkshire side since his appointment in May 2019.

His team have also shipped eight goals in their past two trips to Oakwell – a venue which Rangers have not tasted victory at since 2014.

“They have a very good record against QPR and been something of a bogey team for us there is no denying that,” he said.

“We have had a couple of really poor away performances up there, one particularly from a leading position a few years back.

“They are a dangerous opponent. They have lost games by a solitary goal and are dangerous, not least because of the law of averages as they have lost seven in a row.

“They will be a very awkward and difficult opponent and there will be no lack of respect – and that will be our message to the players.”