QPR prepare to host Southampton with two first-teamers unable to join up with the squad.

Defender Matthew Rose will miss out after tearing a stomach muscle and will be joined on the treatment table by midfielder Martin Rowlands (ankle).

Goalkeeper Jake Cole also looks set to miss the game with calf trouble.

Experienced midfielder Steve Lomas could return to the squad after completing 90 minutes for the reserves in midweek as he continues his comeback.

Lomas is unlikely to start following advice from club physios.

Matt Oakley, Darren Powell and Danny Higginbotham all return to the Southampton squad.

Oakley (calf) and Powell (hamstring) resumed training on Monday and were joined by Higginbotham (groin) on Tuesday.

Marian Pahars (knee) is unlikely to be risked despite his goalscoring return to action for the reserves, and Rory Delap (Achilles) and Kamil Kosowski (hamstring) are still sidelined.

Djamel Belmadi suffered a slight knee injury in the FA Cup win over MK Dons but should be fit.