Reading set for more rotation ahead of Hull clash

Posted Friday, February 07, 2020 by PA

Reading boss Mark Bowen is likely to make changes once again as the Royals return to Sky Bet Championship action against Hull on Saturday.

Bowen rested six of the men who had started at Cardiff in the league last Friday night for the return trip to South Wales in Tuesday evening’s FA Cup fourth round replay, which his side won 4-1 on penalties after a 3-3 draw.

The likes of Rafael Cabral, Tom McIntyre, Liam Moore, Ovie Ejaria, Jordan Obita and Sam Baldock could be restored, and recent signings Felipe Araruna and Ayub Masika are available after being ineligible in midweek.

However, Lucas Boye has joined fellow frontman Lucas Joao (hamstring) in the treatment room with a hernia problem which is likely to sideline him for up to a month, while defender Matt Miazga is still out with an ankle injury.

Hull’s new signing James Scott will have to wait for his debut after picking up an injury in training.

The 19-year-old former Motherwell forward, who was drafted in a the end of the January transfer window as Jarrod Bowen and Kamil Grosicki were sold, turned an ankle on Tuesday and will learn the full extent of the damage in the next week or so.

Scott joins a lengthy casualty list which also includes Jordy De Wijs, Jon Toral, Matthew Pennington, Martin Samuelsen, Kevin Stewart and Josh Bowler.

However, left-back Callum Elder is available after recovering from the calf injury which has kept him out of the last three games.