Reading manager Mark Bowen has stated that full-back Andy Yiadom is likely to be out for up to seven weeks after he picked up a knee injury in the defeat to Birmingham on Saturday.

This is huge blow for a Royals side that is in desperate need of some points as they drift closer to yet another relegation battle.

Yiadom has been a star performer for Reading and until his injury he'd only missed one game in the current season so far and that was due to suspension.

The way that the Royals play with two wing-backs makes it so important that the two wide players on either side have the ability to get up and down the pitch with great athleticism.

It's set to be a major blow for Reading, and Bowen is hoping that he can heal quicker than expected.

Speaking to Berkshire Live, Bowen said: "Andy's likely to be out for a significant time - a month and half, six to seven weeks so it depends on how quick a healer he is."

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The Verdict

This is a huge loss for the Royals as Yiadom is a player that has been so important for this Reading side both in terms of his attacking and defensive qualities.

The Ghanian full-back has been able to put his stamp down on the wing-back position and has really made it his own. His experience has also allowed him to become one of the more senior members in the squad, and with that he is a fan favourite.

The Royals will miss him in these crucial few games, and it's probably the worst time for one of your star players to get injured as we approach the busy Christmas period.