Reading boss Noel Hunt has provided a mixed injury update on his squad as they prepare for this afternoon’s clash with Lincoln City, as reported by RDG Today.
Hunt heads to the LNER Stadium in search of his first win since replacing Ruben Selles in the Reading dugout.
The former Reading striker gained a creditable draw at League leaders Wycombe Wanderers in his first match in charge but was on the wrong end of a 3-0 hammering from Blackpool last time out.
Missing The Trip To Lincolnshire
Reading will be without Amadou Mbengue for the contest with fellow playoff-chasing Lincoln after he was forced off against Blackpool with a concussion. The Senegalese defender has been an impressive performer so far this season and Hunt will be disappointed to be without his services for today’s difficult opposition.
The Royals’ preparations have been further disrupted by the injury to Cameroon international Ben Elliott. Reading is likely to be without the 22-year-old for a number of months due to a thigh problem he sustained during the defeat to Blackpool.
Elliott, who has four caps for his country, is another solid performer for Reading this season and has provided two goals and four assists in his 19 appearances.
On Their Back To Fitness
There was some positive news on the Reading injury front as Hunt confirmed that right-backs Andy Yiadom and Kelvin Abrefa are back training on the grass as they look to return to action soon.
Captain Yiadom has been out since picking up an injury against Bristol Rovers back in April and isn’t expected to make a return to first-team action until January.
Another who is closing in on a return is frontman Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan who is now termed as being ‘weeks away’ from a return having been sidelined since October.
Writer’s View
The absence of Mbengue could disrupt the Reading defence as they ready themselves for a tough test at Lincoln. Elliott’s injury leaves Hunt a little short of midfield options but the club have been dealing admirably without Ehibhatiomhan.
Lincoln may be struggling for form but it is not a game you want to be going into missing two impressive performers from the spine of your team.
