Reading FC have been handed a major injury boost ahead of the visit of Preston North End on Saturday.

The Royals fielded a side with an average age of just 19 as they crashed out of the Carabao Cup with a 3-0 defeat to fellow Championship side Swansea City on Tuesday evening.

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Speaking after the match, manager Veljko Paunovic confirmed that Ovie Ejaria could return for his first appearance of the new campaign having missed the defeats to Stoke City and Swansea City. 

READ MORE: Match report: Inexperienced Royals crash to cup defeat

Paunovic also went on to confirm that John Swift and Lucas Joao, both of whom started at the bet365 Stadium against the Potters, are being examined every day and are in contention for a return to the side for the visit of Preston.

Yakou Meite and Felipe Araruna both remain sidelined through injury.