READING FC striker Yann Kermorgant has been ruled out of tonight’s home clash against Sheffield United (8pm ko).

The veteran striker has missed the last two matches while he recovers from a calf strain picked up in a 2-1 defeat at Middlesbrough.

And the 36-year-old is set to miss out again tonight as Jaap Stam’s men go in search of only their second win in 14 Championship matches.

Boss Stam confirmed: “Yann is feeling better, but he's still out for a couple more games."

Kermorgant has been plagued with injuries all season and has scored just once in 20 appearances this season.

That is a dramatic dip since last season when his 19 goals made him the club’s leading goalscorer.

However, Kermorgant’s absence tonight will be offset by the return of on-loan striker, Chris Martin.

Martin, 29, was ineligible to play against his parent club Derby County on Saturday, a thrilling fixture that ended in a 3-3 draw.

Stam is also weighing up how much pitch time to hand to midfield ace John Swift.

The 22-year-old marked his return from a six-week lay-off with a hamstring strain by coming off the bench against the Rams.

But Stam admits he need to treat the ex-Chelsea star with caution.

"His recovery went well but he could only play 30 minutes on Saturday,” explained Stam.

"I'm not saying he can play 90 minutes, we'll have to have a look."

Reading Chronicle:

John Swift in action for Reading in the 3-3 draw with Derby County on Saturday.

Sheffield United are eighth in the Championship table but arrive at Madejski Stadium after three straight away defeats, including a 1-0 loss at Hull City on Friday night.

Striker James Wilson and midfielders David Brooks and Ricky Holmes all face late fitness tests after missing the fixture against the Tigers.

Nevertheless, Stam expects a difficult night ahead, having seen his side lose 2-1 at Bramall Lane earlier in the season.

“They are a good team with a squad with a lot of energy and quality,” warned the Dutchman.

"They always make it difficult for you in that opening 25 minutes, they give everything.

"We play different systems so we will have to look at what we can do to make it difficult for them."

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