Luton Town manager Rob Edwards is optimistic about having both Alfie Doughty and recent signing Lamine Fanne at his disposal for Monday night’s Championship trip to Queens Park Rangers.
With the Hatters slipping now just two points above the relegation zone after three consecutive defeats, and then yesterday’s draws from bottom three Plymouth, Hull and Cardiff, the return of key players couldn’t come at a better time.
Doughty has been sidelined for 11 games since early November due to ankle ligament damage sustained in a 1-0 victory over Cardiff City, but has been back in training and could make his return at Loftus Road.
Meanwhile, Fanne, who joined the Hatters from Swedish club AIK last summer before finishing the season on loan there, is now eligible for selection after receiving international clearance.
Edwards is also set to welcome back Joe Johnson and Liam Walsh, both returning from suspensions. Walsh was banned for four matches following his second red card in just six appearances – a sending-off that occurred only 11 minutes after his introduction against Blackburn Rovers.
Johnson, meanwhile, missed Luton’s narrow defeat to Norwich City on New Year’s Day, having served a one-game suspension for a late dismissal in the 2-1 loss to Swansea City at the end of December.
Speaking after the Norwich defeat, Edwards expressed his optimism about the availability of these players, saying: “We’re hoping that Alfie will be back and potentially involved, so that’s a plus. He’s had a couple of grass sessions, he trained with us yesterday (Thursday). We’ve got a couple of suspended lads that will be back involved as well, hopefully one or two back from the treatment room which is encouraging. Lamine is available too, so there’s some positives there.”
On the back of a nine-game losing streak away from Kenilworth Road, including a current three-game slump, Luton will need every bit of reinvigoration as they head into a challenging match against a rejuvenated QPR side. Despite a dismal start to the season that saw them win only once in their opening 16 games -including a 2-1 victory over Luton at Kenilworth Road in August – head coach Martí Cifuentes has overseen a remarkable turnaround.
The Hoops have lost just once in their last 10 outings, recording five wins and four draws. They’ve also secured four consecutive home victories, capped off by a convincing 3-1 triumph over Watford in their most recent outing.
Currently sitting 16th in the Championship table, QPR are four points ahead of the Hatters and seven clear of the relegation zone, while a point apiece for each of the bottom three in yesterday’s games, drew Luton closer to the relegation zone.
Edwards is well aware of the challenge awaiting his side, saying: “It will be (a tough game), they’re in good form at home. It’s another difficult game, but it will be a big one.”
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