READING FC boss Jaap Stam is facing a defensive crisis after new signing Tiago Ilori was ruled out for up to six weeks.

Ilori damaged ligaments in his ankle during last week's 1-0 victory over Fulham at Madejski Stadium while making his second appearance for the Royals.

The 23-year-old centre-back joined from Liverpool recently for a club-record free of around £3m and was brought in by Stam to strengthen his defence for the team's promotion push.

His absence is a big blow for Royals and Stam now faces a selection dilemma with a number of other defenders also nursing knocks.

Stam explained: “Tiago has an injury and he’ll be out for quite a while,” explained Stam. “He came on against Fulham and his foot got stuck in the turf, he did one of his ligaments.

“It’s not completely ruptured but there is some damage, so it’s at least four to six weeks.

“It’s a big blow because we need him as somebody extra in defence rather than having Joey van den Berg there.”

However, van den Berg limped out of Saturday's 2-1 home win against Cardiff City and was due to have a scan on his hamstring yesterday.

The Dutchman, who can play in defence of midfield, is likely to be sidelined for at least two weeks and is almost certain to miss Tuesday's night's trip to Birmingham City (7.45pm ko).

Stam's defensive resources are so depleted he was forced to play right-back Chris Gunter on the left in the win against Neil Warnock's Bluebirds as Jordan Obita and Tyler Blackett were both carrying knocks.

However, van den Berg's injury meant Obita and Blackett both ended up coming on during the game.

It is thought Stam will not recall former Academy centre-back Jake Cooper from his loan with Millwall in order to plug his defence.

However, Royals boss may look to sign a defender before the January transfer window closes tomorrow night.

Stam is on the verge of making his second new addition during the month with the capture of Adrian Popa from Romanian club Steaua Bucharest.

The 28-year-old midfielder is set to sign a three-and-a-half year contract later today.