Reading manager Paul Ince confirmed that Sam Hutchinson is not likely to return until next week's game with Preston, missing trips to Burnley and Luton.
The former Sheffield Wednesday defender picked up an injury in the 2-1 defeat to QPR and adds to the central defence problem, along with the likes of Naby Sarr and Scott Dann.
A three of Amadou Mbengue, Tom Holmes and Tom McIntyre featured in the 2-0 win over Bristol City last week, with captain Andy Yiadom back in contention following his return from suspension.
Speaking to the media ahead of the Lancashire trip, Ince said: "He’s not ready yet, Sam. He’s so eager, he’s one of those that says he’s ready but he’s not really ready because he’s that warrior character. He knows we’ve got issues with centre-halves, and he wants to keep carrying on. I love his endeavour and enthusiasm but sometimes that can be a problem because he’s not actually ready yet and if he breaks down you lose people. He’ll probably be back Preston.
"The skipper is back, which is good, so I’ll have to make a decision. When we win games it’s tough to make decisions. When you win games you want to keep the same team."
With the extended break next month for the Qatar World Cup, the former England captain is trying to make it to November 12, the last match before the break, when more defensive options could become available.
"We fight until November 12, see where we are, go away for some warm weather training and by then we should have Naby Sarr back, Liam Moore back training, Hutchinson will be next week, then you get to December 10 against Coventry with a stronger squad. We’ll see where we are November 12."
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