Plymouth boss Ryan Lowe has been giving an injury update ahead of their EFL Cup clash with Reading tonight, as reported by their official website.

The Pilgrims go into the game on the back of a fine 3-0 win against Walsall at the weekend, with Ryan Taylor's brace and an Antoni Sarcevic goal enough to give them the win.

They're currently without a couple of key players, Byron Harrison who arrived in the summer and Joel Grant. Lowe admitted both are likely to miss out against Reading this evening.

“Byron is chomping at the bit; Joel will be a little bit longer,” he said ahead of their clash with the Royals.

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“There’ll be no risk element; we’ve got players who can go again and we’ll pick the right team that we feel can win.

"If I put Byron back in, and something happens, then I’ve lost two strikers in the space of 48 hours. That isn’t going to happen.”

Despite having a couple of players out, Lowe is relishing pitting his wits against the Championship side.

“We are under no illusions that we are up against stiff opposition in Reading, who are a top, top Championship club. We’re looking forward to pitting our wits against them."

Plymouth, who are second in the early League Two table, travel to Northampton at the weekend before playing their EFL Trophy first-round tie a week today against Bristol Rovers.

The Verdict

Whilst this is a big tie for the Pilgrims, it's also one they have to be careful about. The prize money at this early stage is not as lucrative as some might think and promotion is likely to be the aim for his side.

A win might set up a big tie in the next round, but with the transfer window closing next week there will be limited chance to spend any income he creates.

That might mean a reserved approach to this evening's game, which will likely result in a good Reading win.