Reading's survival hopes were dealt a colossal blow earlier this year, with the news that Nelson Oliveira had picked up a hamstring injury that could potentially rule him out for the season. 

But the on-loan forward has stepped up his recovery process and has spent the international break training with Chinese side, Shanghai SIPG.

The club's head of their medical department, Eduardo Santos took to Twitter to praise Oliveira and hinted at an early return for the Royals striker.

 

The Portuguese forward picked up the injury against Ipswich Town, a game in which he netted the opener on the day, as Reading went on to win 2-1 thanks to a last-gasp winner from Mo Barrow.

Oliveira has scored some crucial goals for the Royals since arriving on loan from league-leaders, Norwich City and Reading supporters will have been fearing the worst when he was ruled out for the foreseeable future.

In total, he has netted on three goals, and has looked like the man to fire the Berkshire-based side to safety.

Jose Gomes' side are currently sat 21st in the Championship table and are just a point ahead of Rotherham United who will pose a considerable threat to the Royals.

It seems unlikely that Oliveira will be fit in time to face Preston North End this weekend, but he'll be hoping that he can return to action sooner than first expected to help aid their fight against relegation.

The Verdict: 

What a boost this is for the Royals.

They have badly missed Oliviera in recent weeks and if he returns to action, then he can be the man to fire them clear of their relegation troubles.

They must try and do everything they can to sign him on a permanent basis in the summer.