Queens Park Rangers have received a significant boost ahead of their final fixture of 2025, with West Bromwich Albion defender Alfie Gilchrist ruled out through suspension. The news comes as another potential transfer target, Southampton's Ronnie Edwards, was conspicuously absent from his side's matchday squad, fuelling speculation of a January move.
West Brom's Defensive Blow Ahead of QPR Visit
Alfie Gilchrist's difficult start to life at The Hawthorns took a turn for the worse this weekend, as the 22-year-old was sent off in West Brom's 1-0 defeat to Hull City. The former Chelsea man, who has struggled for minutes under manager Ryan Mason, had been on the pitch for just eight minutes as a substitute when he received a straight red card for a challenge on Liam Millar in the 75th minute.
The dismissal means Gilchrist will be suspended for the Baggies' home clash with QPR on December 30th, dealing a blow to Mason's defensive options. Reacting to the incident, the West Brom boss criticised his team's lack of discipline, which he felt cost them the game. "It's a lack of discipline and it's not good enough," Mason stated. "The reality is, that's what's cost us."
Ronnie Edwards' Absence Sparks QPR Return Rumours
Meanwhile, QPR fans noted with interest that former loanee Ronnie Edwards was missing from the Southampton squad that faced Coventry City. The 22-year-old defender, who impressed during a loan spell at Loftus Road in the latter part of last season, has found opportunities limited since the sacking of Will Still.
Edwards has been an unused substitute for Southampton's last two Championship matches and has not started any of their previous nine. His recent exclusion has added considerable weight to rumours of a potential January transfer. West London Sport reported that Southampton rejected a late offer for Edwards in the summer, but his current situation suggests a winter window move could be back on the agenda.
Play-Off Chasers QPR Finish 2025 on the Road
The suspension news will be welcomed by QPR manager Julien Stephan, whose side are mounting a serious play-off challenge. Rangers lifted themselves to seventh in the Championship table, just one place outside the top six, after a stunning 4-1 victory over Leicester City at Loftus Road on Saturday.
QPR now face a festive period on the road, travelling to Portsmouth on Boxing Day before their final fixture of the year at The Hawthorns against Gilchrist's depleted West Brom. The Baggies' defeat to Hull, compounded by the red card, leaves them looking to arrest a slide in form as they prepare to host the in-form Londoners.
