Reading finish their pre-season campaign with a friendly against Premier League side Crystal Palace at the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Saturday.

Following the easing of coronavirus restrictions this game is set to be played in front of the highest attendance for over a year as three of the four stands will welcome supporters, including a sold-out away allocation from South London.

With just over a week to go, Veljko Paunovic will begin to piece together his side for the opening day game against Stoke City however some players will remain unavailable for the Serbian.

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The isolating trio of Tom McIntyre, Tom Holmes, and George Puscas is in contention to return following a coronavirus enforced break, and will all be looking to play their way into the opening day starting 11.

Yakou Meite, Felipe Araruna, and Liam Moore remain long-term absentees, with the Ivorian expected to be out until around the New Year.

Araruna will return to squad training within the next month following the Brazilian’s injury recovery, and Moore will be returning to the camp in the coming weeks following his Jamaica side being knocked out of the Gold Cup by USA.

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In more positive news, star striker Lucas Joao is expected to play some part in proceedings on Saturday following a minor injury.

For the away side it will be another chance for new manager Patrick Viera to assess his squad, with new signings Marc Guehi and Joachim Andersen potentially gaining minutes.

Michael Olise, who the Eagles signed from the Royals for a reported £8m last month, is injured and will not play a part in the game against his former side.