Richard Kone's attempted comeback from injury lasted less than half an hour on Monday, when the Queens Park Rangers striker limped out of a development squad fixture against Bolton's Under-21s after taking a heavy challenge.

The 23-year-old had been working his way back to fitness after picking up a problem in QPR's Championship fixture against Middlesbrough on 5 September. The development game was intended to sharpen him back into contention for first-team selection, but the plan unravelled quickly.

Kone was substituted before the 30-minute mark, and the match ended in a 3-1 defeat for QPR's youngsters. The full extent of his problem has not yet been confirmed by the club.

A frustrating start to the season

Kone arrived at Loftus Road from Wycombe and has scored 11 goals in 48 appearances for the club, finishing as QPR's top scorer last season. This campaign, however, has brought only four first-team outings and no goals, and the latest setback threatens to delay his involvement further.

For a side seeking to push up the Championship table, losing their leading striker to another potential absence is a concern. Kone's directness and finishing had been central to QPR's attacking threat last term, and the coaching staff will be anxious to learn the nature of Monday's knock before naming their next squad.

What happens next

QPR are expected to assess Kone in the coming days before providing an update on his condition. Until the club clarifies the injury, it is unclear whether he faces a short spell on the sidelines or a longer absence.

The development squad game against Bolton was meant to give Kone the minutes and rhythm he needed to step back into Championship football. Instead, it has left his availability in doubt and his managers with more questions than answers ahead of the next run of fixtures.

QPR supporters will be watching closely for any news from Loftus Road this week, with the forward's fitness likely to shape how the club approaches the coming matches in the second tier.

Frequently asked

How long will Richard Kone be out for QPR?
The nature of Kone's injury from the development squad game on Monday is not yet known. QPR have not confirmed a timescale for his return.
What injury did Richard Kone pick up?
Kone first injured himself in QPR's Championship match against Middlesbrough on 5 September. He then limped off inside 30 minutes of a development squad game against Bolton Under-21s on his return, though the specific nature of both problems has not been confirmed.
How many goals has Richard Kone scored for QPR?
Kone has scored 11 goals in 48 appearances for QPR since joining from Wycombe. He has not scored in four appearances so far this season.