JORDAN Obita could make a miraculous recovery for Reading FC in time for Monday's Championship play-off final against Huddersfield Town (3pm ko).

Royals' attacking left-back left Craven Cottager on a stretcher after twisting his ankle as he chased Fulham's Ryan Fredericks at the end of the play-off semi final first leg.

Obita, who scored Reading's goal in the 1-1 draw, hobbled out of the west London ground with his foot in a protective boot and was forced to miss the second leg plus more than a week of training.

But boss Jaap Stam today confirmed the 23-year-old is winning his fitness battle and could make the starting line-up at Wembley on Monday.

“Jordan is doing well and making progress,” said Stam at today's play-off final press conference at Hogwood Park.

“He was outside training today so we will have a look at him tomorrow to see how he feels.”

And when the Chronicle asked if Obita has a chance of making the final, Stam replied: 'Yes.'

Reading Chronicle:

Jordan Obita battles with Ryan Fredericks at Craven Cottage.

The news will give Reading a huge boost for the final as skipper Paul McShane is missing through suspension following his red card at Craven Cottage.

However, Royals coped well without the services of both players in the semi final second leg where Yann Kermorgant's penalty sent Stam's men to Wembley.

Stam went with a back three of Liam Moore, Tiago Ilori and Joey van den Berg on the night with Chris Gunter and Tyler Blackett deployed as wingbacks.

The Dutchman could now decide to stick with a winning team and send out the same XI again to face the Terriers.

Reading's form is far superior to Huddersfield's going into the final, yet Stam's men find themselves the underdogs once again.

Royals won seven of the last 10 Championship fixtures with three defeats, while the Terriers lost six of their last 10 with only three wins.

Royals also defeated Fulham - the most fancied team to win the play-offs – over two legs, while Huddersfield needed penalties to end Sheffield Wednesday's challenge.

Yet the latest odds see Huddersfield as slight 6/5 favourites to win the final with Sky Bet, with Reading 12/5.

And that is music to Stam's ears: “I didn't know Huddersfield are favourites but very good, it's nice being the underdog.

“I don't really pay any attention to it. It's good for the bookies because it brings in cash. That's how it works and everybody knows that.

“I'm not really interested in that to be fair and I don't really want to talk about it.

“All I'm interested in is my team because we need to win Monday's game. I'm going to do everything I can to get a result and it's the same for the players.

“What people think and write is up to them.”