Reading are due to play Stoke City this weekend at the Madejski, with no indication at this point that the game will be played behind closed doors amid concerns regarding the Coronavirus outbreak.

Last week, Reading triumphed against Birmingham City 3-1 at St Andrew’s, making it consecutive triumphs in the Championship to help alleviate any fears of being dragged into the relegation battle.

Speaking ahead of the game, Mark Bowen gave an insight into how his side have prepared to face Stoke amid such concerning circumstances.

"Obviously we're concerned, as concerned as anybody else in the country at the moment. Nobody knows exactly where we are going with this thing.

"It's quite sad really, it's affecting everybody. There are more important things in life than football. It becomes your life - like for me and fans - but we have to make sure it is put to bed as quickly as possible.

"As footballers, we have got to eb as professional as we can, prepare in the right way and try and remain as focused as we can with the task at hand and be guided by the experts and what they're saying.

"It'll be interesting [if the games are played behind closed doors] and how individual players and teams cope with that situation.

"Almost daily, we're having meetings with the players and the club doctor - making sure they have the right advice for them and their families.

"We have to make sure there’s an understanding, rather than a fear."

Reading do host Stoke City this weekend and Mark Bowen is wary of the threat that The Potters can pose. 

"We're in a good space in our heads and now coming up against a Stoke side who have been in a good run of form. They'll be looking to get something out of the game so we've got to be prepared for it.

"There will be an expectation since we're at home to force our game on the opposition.

"We've had decent performances at times with that but it has been our soft under belly some times and we have to make sure we don't show that on Saturday."

When asked if he was making any plans in advance of the Summer transfer window, Bowen acknowledged a need to trim his squad. 

"We trained this morning with 24 outfield players. That is too many.

"If, as a coach, you want to do an 11 vs 11 game you have two senior players on the sideline. That has to be looked at."