Reading FC manager Noel Hunt is facing a potential selection headache for Saturday’s League One clash with Lincoln City as three key players battle injuries.
The Royals, currently sitting in the top six of League One, have had a mixed start under Hunt since he succeeded Ruben Selles last week. They’ve drawn with Wycombe Wanderers and suffered defeats to Walsall and Blackpool, but their thin squad could now be further tested.
Injury Concerns for the Royals
Jeriel Dorsett sustained a hamstring injury during last week’s 1-1 draw with Wycombe and is expected to be sidelined for up to four weeks. Hunt explained:
“It looks like he picked up a muscle injury last Saturday. He had a bit of a swollen ankle on Monday and Tuesday, so he was off and then when he came in onto the grass on Thursday, he felt something in his hamstring as he was opening up. The scan doesn’t look good—maybe four weeks.”
Amadou Mbengue was forced off at half-time during Saturday’s 3-0 defeat to Blackpool after landing awkwardly from an aerial challenge. Replaced by Louie Holzman, Mbengue’s availability is still uncertain. Hunt stated:
“We’re just waiting to see what the doctor says. They weren’t quite happy about him going back on the pitch and obviously in those situations you have to trust the medical side. I’m hoping it’s a precaution but we’re going to see.”
Meanwhile, Ben Elliott was substituted in the second half of the Blackpool defeat after appearing to struggle with movement.
“He felt a knock. Hopefully, it’s a contact [injury]. He looked like he was labouring a little bit and couldn’t change pace to get up with play. I’m hoping it’s a contact injury and nothing more,” Hunt added.
Pressure on Hunt
Noel Hunt, a club legend from his playing days, is still searching for his first win as Reading manager. This includes a brief stint as interim boss in 2023. The team’s injury woes come at a challenging time, as they look to maintain their position in the promotion race while managing a depleted squad.
