Reading are just five points off the relegation zone and without a win in six games after Bolton left the Madejski Stadium with a point last night.

Unfortunately, the bad news continues for Jaap Stam after he revealed that winger Garath McCleary will miss the remainder of the season after breaking his ankle.

The injury occurred just five minutes into the 3-1 defeat against Sheffield United on February 27 and will be a big blow to the Royals.

To make matters worse, McCleary’s replacement against the Blades, Omar Richards, has since suffered with a calf injury, to join the likes of Yann Kermogant, Paul McShane, Jordan Obita and Tommy Elphick on the side-lines.

And, Stam admitted to the BBC that the injury crisis is a real issue.

We've had a lot of injuries where you're thinking 'how is that possible?' but for whatever reason it happens and we have to deal with it.”

One slight positive though is that McCleary won’t need surgery on his ankle and is expected to be fit for pre-season.

The Verdict

McCleary had a strong season for Reading last season and whilst he hasn’t hit the same heights during this campaign, it’s still a bitter blow.

He has real pace and is a threat in the final third that has been missing at times this season, so to go without him until May could be a problem.

It also adds to the injury list that Stam mentioned and he could really do with several players returning to help his struggling squad.

Thoughts, Reading fans? Let us know in the comments below.