Reading manager Mark Bowen has hinted that Sone Aluko may be in line for a first appearance of the season having returned to the Royals recently.

Aluko has been out on loan in China where he's been playing for Beijing Renhe in the Chinese Super League. However, after a year at the club, he's now back in Reading and could be about to make an appearance in the FA Cup game with Blackpool on Saturday.

Reading are currently in superb form and are looking like a team that could challenge for the top six having beaten sides such as Preston and Fulham recently.

Bowen has expressed that Aluko has had a few training sessions now and he could be available for selection this coming weekend.

Speaking to Berkshire Live, Bowen said: "Aluko has had five or six training sessions. He came back in and we had to make sure he was available to go.

"Hopefully he will be available for selection on Saturday."

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The Verdict

This would be a really shock turnaround to see him reintegrated into the Reading side, although Bowen has brought in players such as Chris Gunter and Garath McCleary who had both been left out in the cold under previous boss Jose Gomes.

Aluko didn't have a good time at the club, and struggled to find any real form. His price tag put expectancy on the player, but he failed to deliver.

If he does come back, he could provide a valuable contribution to the Royals if he was prepared to be committed and play with the desired effort that was needed.