Reading get back to Championship action at the weekend with the visit of in-form Preston North End, as they battle to keep themselves out of the relegation zone.

Royals manager Jose Gomes has received a boost ahead of the match, following the news that striker Nelson Oliveira may well return earlier than expected from the hamstring injury he picked up in the 2-1 victory over Ipswich Town earlier this month.

Oliveira appears to have spent part of the international break in Asia and has linked up with Chinese Super League side Shanghai SIPG, and specifically their head physio Eduardo Santos.

The Brazilian is known as a 'miracle doctor' for his work with other players and helping them back to full fitness way ahead of schedule, and he has tweeted a picture of himself and Oliveira suggesting that the 27-year-old is on the road to recovery.

So how big a boost could the early return of Oliveira be for Reading's chances of staying up?

We discuss........

Alfie Burns

“It’s massive news for Reading.

“Personally, I think their chance of survival rests on the Portuguese and his goals.

“Getting him back and firing has to be a priority.”

George Harbey

"It’s a massive boost.

"He has been superb since he signed for Reading and gives them goals and a threat up top.

"To have had him out injured for the remainder of the season would have been devastating in their race for survival."

Louie Chandler

"Absolutely.

"Oliveira is the sort of player who could drag the Royals to survival on his own.

"He is a top Championship striker and that can often make all the difference in these relegation scraps."

Jay Taylor

“Oliveira’s return could be the difference between them staying up and going down.

“I honestly think him coming back earlier than expected; the Royals will have enough to stay up.

“He just needs to hit the ground running upon his return.

“Anything less than a relentless return will see Reading relegated.”