Championship outfit Reading have opted to keep trialist Brandon Ormonde-Ottewill at the club despite seeing him sustain an injury, according to a report from Berkshire Live.

The 26-year-old was expected to appear in last weekend's friendly game against Benfica but was absent, something that was puzzling to many of the second-tier side's supporters considering the lack of orthodox options they have at left-back.

After the game, manager Paul Ince revealed that the former Swindon Town man is expected to be on the sidelines for the next four or five weeks after tearing his adductor muscle.

This is a real blow for the Berkshire outfit who are in desperate need of a left-back or two to arrive before the start of the new Championship campaign, with Baba Rahman returning to Chelsea on the expiration of his loan spell at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

The Ghanaian has been linked with a move back to Berkshire this summer - but a return is thought to be unlikely at this stage and this means they will be looking for new candidates to fill this important role on the left-hand side.

Unfortunately for Ince's side, Ormonde-Ottewill is seemingly the only left-back on trial at this stage, with this area acknowledged as a key area that needs to be strengthened.

The Verdict:

In fairness, the 26-year-old could be a good backup option at some point and this is why it may be worth keeping him around because he could easily sign terms with the Royals later in the summer.

They are limited in the type of players they can bring in this summer so it may have been something of a rash decision to cut their ties with him straight away, especially with Ormonde-Ottewill having the potential to be a good long-term addition for the club if he can live up to expectations.

Ideally, they need two left-backs to come in during this window with Ethan Bristow leaving the club and Imari Samuels looking likely to follow him with the latter wanting first-team football next season.

Tom McIntyre may be able to play in this role - but the former Scotland youth international is much better in central midfield and would probably struggle against some of the division's trickiest wingers.

Junior Hoilett could potentially be utilised as a left wing-back as well as Tom Ince - but a back four will probably be retained for next season and this makes a new addition or two in this area particularly vital.