Reading have been handed a boost as Hull City confirm key striker Oscar Estupiñán's red card appeal has been upheld.

The 25-year-old, with eight goals to his name, was sent off before half-time against Millwall and and missed the midweek win over Cardiff City.

Appealing the decision, manager Liam Rosenior has since confirmed the ruling was upheld and he is to miss the game with the Royals on Saturday and the game against Watford after the World Cup break.

Arriving from Portugal over the summer, Estupiñán is already a big hit on Humberside.

“We failed in our appeal for his three-game ban to be overturned,” explained Rosenior.

“I do understand the decision, but obviously I’m a bit disappointed. It’s a shame that he’s not available (for the next two games), but we’ve got a good enough squad to get by.”

Hull have history on their side, with Reading never having won at the MKM Stadium, and not winning in the city since 1994.

In contrast to Paul Ince, former Reading defender Rosenior has no fresh injury concerns.

“Fortunately, we haven’t got any new injury problems,” revealed Rosenior.

“It’s my job to gauge how the players are feeling not only from a physical point of view, but mentally as well because it’s exhausting. For them to play with 10 men against Millwall for 60 minutes, and then put in the performance they did against Cardiff - I’m absolutely delighted with them."