“Taken off you” – QPR: Fear over two key January exits voiced | OneFootball

A quick return from injury for this duo may end up delivering another blow to QPR

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

The January transfer window is filled with nerves for many clubs and Queens Park Rangers are no exception.

Back-up in certain positions can be light and in the Football League, you’re always at risk of your best players attracting an irresistible offer to move higher up the pyramid.

Losing such players can truly disrupt a club’s season but on the other side, additions can also make it.

We asked our QPR Fan Pundit, Louis, for his greatest fears heading into January.

QPR fan fears that best players could be poached

There were two players that sprang to mind immediately for the Hoops fan pundit, with the start of the January transfer window looming.

Speaking to Football League World, Louis said: “I think despite these players not playing much so far the season due to injury, I still think and worry there's going to be interest in your Ilias Chairs and your Jake Clarke-Salters.

“Because, obviously, if they return, which they should be returning from injury probably before the January window even opens, I just still think clubs are going to be sniffing around because, you know, there'll be knowing that they’re back fit, they'll be ready to play again.

“And there's always been, slight rumours that there has been interest in those players in past windows and it will probably crop up again, and you can certainly see that happening.

“Obviously, when those players are back fit and playing, we're a much better side because, you know, it's obvious when your best players are out, you're not going to be as good and, you know, if we were to lose them, if offers come in that you can't really turn down, then you're going to probably find it hard, especially in January, to replace them quickly.

“Yeah, that's what I fear, but, you know, maybe, on the other hand, clubs may be put off by them because of, especially like Clarke-Salter, his past injuries that he's had, you know, they might be put off and might not be bothered to go in for the players.

“Hopefully that's the case, but yeah, it's just always that fear that, especially when you're not doing so well, your best players are going be just taken off you, but yeah, I'm sure if there is interest, we won't be accepting anything below where we feel their value is.”

Double-edged sword could be on the way for QPR

Currently second from bottom in the Championship on 15 points, QPR are undoubtedly waiting on the return of two of their best players in Chair to provide a creative spark and Clarke-Salter to shore things up at the back.

But, it could be seen as a lose-lose for the West London outfit: get them back and see things improving and, as Louis states, clubs will undoubtedly be in, but any longer period without them, or a loss of form if they do return, will do the club no favours either.

There are a lot of variables yet to be confirmed between now and January for QPR, but one thing is for certain: the decision-makers need to be on the hunt for new faces to bolster their squad, whether it’s to add talent or replace outgoing players.