---
title: "West Ham vs QPR team news: Soucek comeback, fitness latest and suspensions"
canonical: "https://readwestham.com/2026/09/28/west-ham-qpr-team-news-injuries-suspensions/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Chettle"
section: "Match Previews"
published: "2026-09-28T06:39:00Z"
modified: "2026-10-06T08:53:09Z"
---

# West Ham vs QPR team news: Soucek comeback, fitness latest and suspensions

Last updated: 6 October 2026.

West Ham approach Friday’s meeting with QPR with Tomáš Souček back in match action, Manor Solomon having returned for Israel and Konstantinos Mavropanos offering reassurance over his fitness.

Mohamadou Kanté will miss the Championship fixture through suspension. QPR also have a confirmed absentee in Dennis Cirkin.

Kick-off at London Stadium is 8pm BST on Friday 9 October. Here is the latest availability picture, including the questions still awaiting clarification.

## Tomas Soucek steps up his comeback

Souček played 65 minutes and scored a penalty in West Ham’s 2-0 training-match victory over Wycombe Wanderers on 2 October.

[The club confirmed](https://www.whufc.com/en/news/hard-work-continues-at-rush-green-during-international-break) that these were his first match minutes since suffering an ankle ligament injury at the World Cup.

That represents an important step towards a competitive return. His involvement against Wycombe does not, however, confirm whether he will start or feature from the bench against QPR.

## Manor Solomon returns for Israel

Solomon [returned as a substitute against the Republic of Ireland](https://readwestham.com/2026/10/05/manor-solomon-israel-return-west-ham-fitness/) on Sunday, entering the 1-1 draw in the 71st minute.

His appearance followed reports of illness and back discomfort during the international window.

He was available to contribute for Israel, but his readiness for a full club match remains a separate assessment for West Ham.

## Mavropanos offers fitness reassurance

Mavropanos played down his discomfort after coming off during Greece’s goalless draw with Germany.

According to [Sport FM’s post-match reporting](https://www.sport-fm.gr/article/amp/mauropanos-egine-mia-asunennoisia-alla-edaksei-koitame-tous-adipalous-sta-matia-amp/5151944), the defender said the pain was not significant and that he felt fine.

His comments are encouraging. West Ham’s assessment on his return will determine his availability for Friday.

## Kante suspended against QPR

Kanté’s dismissal at Millwall carries a one-match suspension, ruling him out of QPR’s visit.

Our [Kanté suspension breakdown](https://readwestham.com/2026/09/21/mohamadou-kante-red-card-millwall-suspension-2/) explains the punishment and his expected eligibility to return against Lincoln City on 14 October.

He came off the bench at Millwall, so his absence does not automatically require Nuno Espírito Santo to change his starting central midfield.

## Areola and Herrick: goalkeeper availability

Finlay Herrick withdrew from England Under-20 duty through injury during the international break. Alphonse Areola has also been working towards a return after missing recent matches.

[Reports of West Ham’s training pictures](https://www.hammers.news/news/west-ham-drop-tomas-soucek-and-alphonse-areola-hints-as-qpr-loom/) showed both goalkeepers taking part in drills.

Training involvement is encouraging, but neither should be described as ruled out or certain to make Friday’s squad without further confirmation.

Mads Hermansen completed Denmark’s victory over Wales on Sunday.

## QPR team news: Cirkin banned and fitness questions remain

Cirkin will miss the trip after QPR’s appeal against his red card against Preston was unsuccessful, as detailed in our [report on his suspension](https://readwestham.com/2026/09/23/qpr-dennis-cirkin-suspension-west-ham/).

Richard Koné suffered a knee injury while playing for QPR’s development side. [West London Sport reported on 25 September](https://www.westlondonsport.com/qpr/qpr-await-news-on-kone-knee-injury) that Rangers were assessing the problem.

That report also said QPR hoped Jimmy Dunne, Harvey Vale and Tariq Lamptey would be available against West Ham. Those earlier hopes should not be treated as confirmation of their current fitness.

Karamoko Dembélé has been progressing towards full training after a long-term knee injury. In [comments published on 29 September](https://www.westlondonsport.com/qpr/qpr-winger-dembele-close-to-return-to-training), Julien Stéphan distinguished that progress from being ready for competitive football.

Further updates are needed before settling those selection questions.

For broadcast information, see our [West Ham vs QPR TV and live-stream guide](https://readwestham.com/2026/09/23/west-ham-qpr-tv-channel-live-stream/).