Queens Park Rangers vs Brighton & Hove Albion - Austin healing ahead of QPR's meeting with Brighton

Charlie Austin could finally be ready to start for QPR as he continues to battle calf trouble ahead of Tuesday's Sky Bet Championship clash with Brighton.

The 26-year-old has been restricted to substitute appearances in recent weeks in a bid to shake off his lingering leg issue.

But now the in-demand forward could lead Rangers' line from the off as new manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink hunts his debut victory at Loftus Road.

Midfielder Michael Petrasso could come back into Hasselbaink's reckoning after being left out of the squad for Saturday's goalless draw with Burnley.

Fit-again Andrew Crofts is back in contention for Brighton, with the midfielder's return easing injury frustrations for boss Chris Hughton.

Liam Rosenior will not play again until the new year, while Gaetan Bong is still sidelined with thigh trouble.

Sam Baldock is expected back in training on Tuesday but is not ready to feature against Rangers as he steps up his return from a thigh issue.

Kazenga LuaLua could return to light training next week following a minor groin operation.