Reading manager Paul Ince has confirmed that fan favourite Shane Long is set to miss the clash with Watford on Saturday due to injury.
The 35-year-old striker re-joined the Royals after 11 years of being away over the summer and has netted once so far this season.
Playing more than 70 minutes on Sunday in the 2-1 win over Stoke City, Ince hinted at a potential 'viral' issue for the Republic of Ireland international.
Speaking to the press ahead of the trip to Vicarage Road on Saturday, the former England captain said: "Shane’s got a problem so he looks like he will be out for Saturday. Yaks [Yakou Meite] is back training, maybe it’s too early to start but he should be back in contention, whether it’s Saturday or Wednesday. Mama [Mamadou Loum] is back in training so it’s okay.
"Matt said he [Shane Long] had an issue, viral or something we’re not quite sure what it is yet, so Matt will give us more detail on that. We don’t know exactly what it is but it’ll be a push for Saturday."
Far from the only one on the medical table, he joins the likes of Scott Dann, Ovie Ejaria and Femi Azeez on the injury list.
Adding on the rest of the squad, he did give some hope that players are returning.
"Naby [Sarr] is going to be a couple of weeks, he won’t be back before the Wigan game so I’m glad we’ve got an international break to try and get some players back. Ovie [Ejaria] is back in the gym doing some stuff. He was on the grass today, not doing much but keeping the ball. I’m hoping after the international break he’ll be back again."
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