Luongo to miss up to seven QPR matches

QPR will start the new year without Massimo Luongo and could be without him until February.

The Australian midfielder has been included in his country’s squad for the Asia Cup.

It means he is set to miss at least four Rangers matches, against against Reading on 29 December, Aston Villa (1 January), Leeds (6 January) and Sheffield United (12 January).

The group stage finishes on 16 January and if Australia, who reached the final in 2015, are still involved Luongo could miss QPR’s games against Preston and West Brom on 19 and 26 January respectively and potentially the match against Wigan on 2 February.

The Asia Cup is being held in the United Arab Emirates and the final is on 1 February.

Luongo is due to fly out to join Australia’s pre-tournament training camp after QPR’s Boxing Day game at home to Ipswich.