ANDRIES Ulderink has told every Reading FC squad member to be ready for a first-team call-up.

A string of injuries and suspensions are threatening to derail Royals’ impressive seven-match unbeaten run in all competitions under Jaap Stam.

Liam Moore became the latest casualty when he limped out of Tuesday night’s EFL Cup third-round win at Brighton with a dead leg which could rule him out of tomorrow's home league clash against Championship leaders Huddersfield Town (3pm ko).

With Joey van den Berg and Jake Cooper also sidelined with injury, Stam has limited options in central defence after Royals ended the game against Brighton with Danzell Gravenberch and Chris Gunter in an untried partnership.

To add to Reading’s woes, Garath McCleary still has two matches remaining of his three-match suspension following his red card in the 2-1 win at Barnsley on Saturday.

And Tyler Blackett is also set to miss three matches following his sending off against the Seagulls.

It means Reading’s squad will be tested to the full in the week ahead, which also includes a trip to Brentford on Tuesday night (7.45pm ko).

Assistant manager Ulderink declared: “Dom Samuel, Liam Kelly, Tennai Watson and Danzell Gravenberch all came in on Tuesday. Joseph Mendes and Callum Harriott worked hard up front, Tyler Blackett played at centre-back for the first time.

“If you look at what they bring, in terms of the mentality to work hard for the team, we can be very happy with that.

“You give these players advice and tips in training and in the Under 23s, but you are naturally very curious how they will do in a game like Brighton. I think they did quite well.

“We will need them.

"We have a couple of suspensions, a couple of injuries, so it’s good we have a little bit of depth in the squad.”

Reading ended high-flying Barnsley’s 100% home record with victory at Oakwell, a result which sent them up to seventh in the table.

Stam’s men will now be determined to preserve their own unbeaten record at Madejski Stadium when Huddersfield arrive this weekend.

Ulderink added: “It’s only the end of September and the season is long, but so far we can be very happy with how the team is performing not only in the good times, but also in the bad times.

“We have played with 10 men for two games in a row and won both matches.

“The team on Saturday did it and a different team on Tuesday night did it. As staff, you have to be happy with that.

“To get this momentum is good. But you know as well as I do, how long this season is and it’s tough to keep that momentum. That will be our challenge.

“It will be nice to be at home against the number one team in the league this Saturday and I’m looking forward to it.”

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