QPR forward Lloyd aggravates groin injury

Alfie Lloyd looks likely to miss QPR’s vital game against Oxford United after suffering an apparent recurrence of a groin problem.

Lloyd was recalled to the starting line-up for the 0-0 draw against Cardiff but had to be taken off during the second half.

He is not expected to be available for Wednesday’s match.

Head coach Marti Cifuentes explained: “That’s the reason Alfie didn’t start against Stoke – not because I didn’t want him to, but because he was coming (back) from a groin injury that has been there for a while.

“Today he gave us this energy that he’s got, his movement and his capacity to stretch in behind.

“Unfortunately he felt his groin once again. The doctor and the medical team will test him, but he was not very optimistic about the next game.”

Lloyd’s injury is a blow as Cifuentes is woefully short of options up front, with Michael Frey, Zan Celar and Rayan Kolli among a number of Rangers players unavailable.

Kolli has not yet returned to full training and was not in the squad for the Cardiff game.

Cifuentes insisted his players deserved credit for their performance despite the winless run stretching to seven matches.