Nottingham Forest vs Reading - Forest full-back Eric Lichaj banned for Reading clash

Nottingham Forest will be without the suspended Eric Lichaj for the visit of Reading.

The full-back was sent off after just 28 minutes of the goalless draw with Burton on Saturday and he must now serve a three-match ban.

Reds boss Aitor Karanka made six changes for that game and could be tempted to stick with largely the same starting line-up having been impressed by his team’s effort and battling qualities with 10 men at the Pirelli Stadium.

Lichaj’s absence could be offset by the return of Michael Mancienne, who was set to play at right-back against Burton had he not fallen ill prior to kick-off.

Reading had no match at the weekend and could benefit by having players back from injury on Tuesday night.

Modou Barrow was a surprise absentee last time out against Middlesbrough on February 10 due to illness on the day of the game so the forward should have now recovered.

Defender Omar Richards and midfielder John Swift were not quite ready for the defeat at the Riverside but might be back from their hamstring problems.

Recent signing Chris Martin is pushing for his first start after scoring against Boro on what was his second appearance from the bench following his loan arrival from Derby.