Paul Clement has issued an injury update ahead of Reading's clash with Bolton Wanderers this Saturday.
The Royals host Phil Parkinson’s men looking to get their first points of the season, but Mo Barrow and Yakou Meite are both injury concerns, Clement has confirmed.
The former was withdrawn in the win over Birmingham City in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night after picking up a suspected hamstring injury.
While the latter was substituted late on with a rib injury.
With the pair hit and miss for the weekend, all of Reading’s wingers are currently injured and Clement has hinted that it could force a last-minute formation change.
Chris Gunter, Dave Edwards, Sone Aluko and Adrian Popa are among those out currently, while Jordan Obita and Garath McCleary are out long-term.
Speaking to Football London, Clement said: “We're not sure yet if they'll be available for Bolton - Meite is a bit sore, and Barrow has settled down a bit, but we want to explore it further to see if there is an injury.
“They both have a chance of playing - although it will be a bit soon for Aluko. Bacuna’s ankle is a bit sore, but he should be okay for the weekend.
“What I have to consider is how many are going to be available and whether to go with the same formation and play someone in the wing position (that doesn't usually) or change the system.
“If I do a system change, it might suit the players better, but we won't have practised it as much.”
Clement added: "Gunter should not be long, Edwards a bit further away. The games next week will come too soon for Gunter.
“Harriott is a bit further away. He's been riddled with injuries, so we have to be more cautious. We'll have to build him up and not rush things with him.”
The Verdict
It looks like this is going to be a tough weekend for Reading, with several injuries affecting their start to the season.
An unfamiliar formation change could hamper the Royals’ hopes of securing all three points, after failing to do so in the two previous fixtures.
Paul Clement has the spine of a good side, but it is depleted with injuries, which is exposing their lack of depth.
Bolton have started well, and it could be the perfect time for Phil Parkinson’s men to raid the Madejski and make it back to Lancashire with the spoils.
Reading fans... Thoughts?