Paul Ince had made four changes for the trip to Birmingham City tonight, recalling Shane Long to the starting side.
The 35-year-old came off of the bench in Saturday's 1-0 win over Coventry City, having started the 2-1 win over Hull City before the World Cup break.
Scoring once this season, back in August, he provides the perfect foil for fan favourite Yakou Meite.
Tom McIntyre is the other to come into the team, replacing Tom Holmes who has to miss out due to concussion protocol.
Mamadou Loum makes his first start since his role with Senegal at the 2022 World Cup, replacing Tyrese Fornah.
Lumley; Yiadom; Sarr; McIntyre; Mbengue; Baba; Hendrick; Loum; Ince; Long; Meite
⚽ 𝑻𝑬𝑨𝑴 𝑵𝑬𝑾𝑺 📢@nabysarr makes his return to the starting XI
— Reading FC (@ReadingFC) December 16, 2022
Mamadou Loum and Shane Long also come against the Blues.#BIRREA pic.twitter.com/fWgV6eEcjf
Birmingham City are unchanged from the side that drew 0-0 with Blackpool on Saturday.
Iconic forward Troy Deeney leads the line, with Tatih Chong adding to the threat for John Eustace's Blues.
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