It's safe to say that Lucas Joao is making up for lost time with Reading FC, as the Royals got back to winning ways at the weekend. 

Joao signed for the Berkshire-based side in the summer of 2019 from Sheffield Wednesday, but was injured for a number of months, which saw him struggle for consistency in front of goal.

But the 27-year-old has hit the ground running this term, with Joao already having 12 goals to his name in all competitions for Veljko Paunovic's side.

That impressive run of results has seen Reading challenging for promotion into the Premier League, which will have come as a surprise to the club's supporters, who had seen their side struggle in the second-tier in recent seasons.

Joao was on the scoresheet once again at the weekend, as he scored Reading's third goal of the game in an impressive 3-1 win over promotion-chasing rivals Bristol City.

The forward took to Instagram following that strong performance at the Madejski Stadium, and was pleased to pick up a much-needed win against the Robins.

Joao's former Sheffield Wednesday striker partner Fernando Forestieri was quick to respond to Joao's recent social post, and was clearly pleased for his former team-mate as his messaged translated to 'that's my brother'.

Forestieri is now playing his football for Italian side Udinese, and has scored twice in nine appearances for his new club, after leaving Sheffield Wednesday in the summer.

The Owls are currently sat 23rd in the Championship table, and will be hoping they can pull themselves out of the relegation zone at the earliest of opportunities.

They're set to take on Joao and his Reading team-mates in midweek, in what is certain to be a tricky test for Tony Pulis' side at Hillsborough on Wednesday evening.

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The Verdict: 

It does make you wonder what could have been for Joao at Sheffield Wednesday.

He didn't have the most consistent of spells in the team at Hillsborough, but you could probably say the club were right to sell him when they did.

But Joao has been brilliant with Reading this season in particular, and has been a key player for Veljko Paunovic's side, as they look to win promotion into the Premier League.

I really wouldn't be surprised to see him on the scoresheet against Sheffield Wednesday this week.