ANDY Rinomhota has given Reading FC a massive boost for Saturday’s home clash against Preston North End (3pm ko).

The 21-year-old star has missed the last seven games since picking up an ankle injury in a 0-0 draw at Sheffield Wednesday on February 8.

Royals have missed the services of the dynamic midfielder who has been one of the team’s standout players during his breakthrough season in the first team.

However, boss Jose Gomes this week revealed Rinomhota is recovering well from the injury and could line up against Preston at Madejski Stadium this weekend when the Championship returns after a two-week international break.

Gomes said: “Andy has been training with us. If he keeps progressing in the same way then he could play on Saturday, we are hopeful.”

In a further boost for Royals, striker Sam Baldock is also in contention for a long-awaited return and could feature against Alex Neil’s visitors.

The 30-year-old has been unavailable since picking up a thigh injury in a Boxing Day defeat at Millwall, but could now be set for his first appearance of 2019.

However, Iceland striker Jon Dadi Bodvarsson is still recovering from injury and is not ready to return.

Gomes added: “Sam Baldock is better than Jon Dadi and he could be on the list, probably for the second part of the game.”

However, perhaps the best piece of injury news for Royals this week surrounds striker Nelson Oliveira.

The Norwich City forward has scored three goals in six games since joining on loan in January.

But the 27-year-old suffered a hamstring strain after netting in a crucial 2-1 victory at Ipswich Town which sparked fears he could miss the rest of the season.

However, Oliveira flew to China during the international break to work with Shanghai SIPG head physio, Eduardo Santos, who is known for his quick healing techniques.

And Santos this week raised hopes of an early Oliveira comeback by tweeting: "Never allow people who gave up on their dreams convince you to give up on yours.

"Thank you Nelson Oliveira from Reading for the confidence in my work. You are ready to fly."