QPR manager Michael Beale insisted his side are relishing the trip to Sunderland tomorrow, despite a catalogue of injuries that are hampering early season progress.

Beale bemoaned an absentee list which now includes midfielder George Thomas, who picked up a knock in midweek when the R’s exited the Carabao Cup on penalties to League One Charlton.

The 41-year-old confirmed Thomas and fellow midfielder Luke Amos will not be available for the journey to the north-east, along with former Black Cat Jake Clarke-Salter who’s suffering from a hamstring issue.

The new QPR boss made his frustrations with the lay-offs clear, especially while he is trying to implement his own style of football at the club.

“We can’t catch a break at the minute,” said Beale. “It seems every time we play something happens to one or two of the players. It’s really disappointing. 

“We had a really clean pre-season and in the last two weeks we’ve had two or three things happen that have held us back, because we’re not getting time on the training pitch to integrate the new players, to integrate the new style. 

“It’s slowing everything down.”

But Beale confirmed Chris Willock and Kenneth Paal are close to re-joining the fold, certainly by the back end of next week, with Tyler Roberts also making his way back to full fitness..

“It’s not all doom and gloom. It’s just the honesty of the situation,” added Beale. 

“We’re coming out the other side of it slowly and every day we’re seeing a stronger QPR which is great for everybody.”

Nonetheless, Beale is looking forward to Saturday and the challenge Championship new boys Sunderland pose.

He said: “What an atmosphere to go and play football this weekend in front of a packed crowd that’s fully behind their team. 

“That’s where you want to be. That’s what you dream of as a player and as a coach. 

“We’ll really relish that, and we’ll use that as motivation to go and get the result we think we’re capable of getting. 

“I wish them well as a club because I think they’re fans have been through quite a lot over the years and it’s good to see them on the up. 

“Once we get this weekend out of the way I wish them well.”