Royals’ midfield schemer injured himself in the warm-up before Tuesday night’s 3-1 defeat at AFC Bournemouth.

The 26-year-old aggravated a calf injury and was sent for a scan to determine the extent of the damage.

In the worst case scenario Guthrie could be out for up to three weeks, which would be a huge blow to the Royals ahead of the Championship run-in as Nigel Adkins’ men look to cement their place in the play-offs.

The former Newcastle United star is certainly a major doubt for Monday’s home clash against leaders Leicester City at Madejski Stadium (8.07pm ko, live Sky Sports).

Assistant manager Andy Crosby told the Chronicle: “Danny had a scan on his calf and we will cross our fingers. Hopefully, it isn’t as bad as before when he was out for three weeks.

“If he is then it’s up to others in the squad to step up to the plate now.

“Some of them have been wanting an opportunity to play so maybe they will get their chance which may not be in their preferred position.

“But it’s all hands on deck at this stage of the season now and we’re going to need everybody to pull together.”

Reading are having an horrendous run of bad luck with injured midfielders as Danny Williams, Hope Akpan, Jem Karacan and Michael Hector were also sidelined on Tuesday night.

As a result, Adkins’ starting line-up contained not one recognised central midfielder for the vital clash against the Cherries.

It meant left-back Jordan Obita joined wingers Royston Drenthe, Hal Robson-Kanu and skipper Jobi McAnuff across a four-man midfield who were overrun by the home side for the majority of the night.

However, fit-again Mikele Leigertwood did come off the bench for the last 30 minutes on his first appearance in more than a year following knee surgery.

Reading now hope Danny Williams will have recovered from a knee problem that kept him out of Tuesday’s clash to start against Leicester City

“Danny was touch and go for Tuesday and we’re hoping he’ll be alright for Leicester,” added Crosby. “With it being a Monday night game, the extra few days’ rest should do him the world of good.

“What we don’t want to do is rush him back and aggravate his knee again.”

++ READING FC Under 21s will travel to the Etihad Stadium tonight (Thursday) for the first leg of their Premier League Cup final against Manchester City.

The match kicks off at 7pm and tickers cost £3 adults and £1 concessions.

Martin Kuhl’s youngsters will then have home advantage in the second leg which is due to take place at Madejski Stadium on Saturday, April 19 (3pm ko).

The tie does not clash with Nigel Adkins’ first team who travel to Wigan Athletic the day before for a Good Friday clash. ++