Reading face a major selection headache for their away game against Stockport County with nine players unavailable. Head coach Leam Richardson confirmed the absences, which include suspensions, injuries, and international call-ups.
Paudie O'Connor is suspended after accumulating five yellow cards, while Andy Rinomhota is also banned after reaching the same threshold while on international duty with Zimbabwe. Jacob Brown is out with rib discomfort. "Brown is still struggling with his ribs coming off the back of Wednesday," said Richardson.
Josh Knight picked up a knock last weekend and Lewis Wing has multiple knocks requiring rest. George Earthy is returning from injury and is unlikely to be fit, while Paddy Lane will be out for several weeks. Benn Ward is not yet ready to return and Jeriel Dorsett is also unavailable.
With seven of the absentees being regular starters, Richardson must reshuffle his pack. Charlie Savage and Liam Fraser are set to replace Wing and Rinomhota in midfield. Josh Stokes will come in for Earthy, with Daniel Kyerewaa deputising for Lane. Joel Pereira will start in goal behind a defence expected to feature Conor Masterson, Udoka Godwin-Malife, Ashqar Ahmed and Haydon Roberts. Jack Marriott is fit and will lead the line, with the striker the club's top scorer this season with eight goals.
The match at Edgeley Park is Reading's fifth consecutive away game across all competitions. The Royals won the last meeting 1-0 with a late Lewis Wing goal. The game will be broadcast on Sky Sports+ during the international break, with Robert Madley as referee. Reading's ability to handle this squad crisis will be tested immediately, coming off a dramatic 2-2 draw with Bristol Rovers last Tuesday. Their recent form of two wins, two draws and one loss from their last five league games has left them seven points behind the leaders Huddersfield.
The report in full is at bbc.co.uk
