Dykes back for QPR and Dunne nearing return

Gareth Ainsworth has confirmed that he expects Lyndon Dykes to return for QPR against Sunderland on Saturday.

Prior to two recent appearances for Scotland, the striker was unavailable because of a knee injury he picked up during Rangers’ Carabao Cup defeat against Norwich in August.

He will be back in the squad this weekend.

Meanwhile, Jimmy Dunne, who has been out since suffering a dislocated shoulder during a pre-season friendly against Oxford United, is edging towards a return.

Dunne is not expected to be available for another week or so but has resumed training.

Boss Ainsworth explained: “Lyndon’s played for his country and I think everyone can see that Lyndon Dykes is fit. I don’t think Lyndon’s an issue.

“Jimmy has been out on the grass this week and that’s a big plus for me. That’s a big boost and I’m pleased to say the treatment room has been looking very bare.”

Ziyad Larkeche could make his full league debut for QPR against the Black Cats.

First-choice wing-back Kenneth Paal has been on international duty with Suriname, playing in matches against Grenada and Cuba, and his fitness will be assessed.

Larkeche, who turns 21 next week, is likely to feature – and might well start the game, having impressed Ainsworth.

It would be Larkeche’s first Championship start for Rangers since being signed during the summer after being released by Fulham.

Sinclair Armstrong, who made his senior Republic of Ireland debut and subsequently scored for their Under-21 side, Osman Kakay and Paul Smyth are among the other Rangers players to have been on international duty.

Ilias Chair remained with QPR after being left out of the Morocco squad – and after expected interest in him ahead of the recent transfer deadline did not materialise.

The club anticipated interest in Chair in the final stages of the transfer window, and Leeds were reported to have made an attempt to sign him, but there were no approaches for any of Rangers’ players.