Reading FC are set to be without three first team players against Derby County tomorrow. 

Reading boss Mark Bowen confirmed that star striker Lucas Joao is set for three weeks on the sidelines after picking up an injury in Reading's return to Championship action against Stoke City last weekend. 

The Portuguese forward sustained an injury after scoring the opening goal of Reading's 1-1 draw with Stoke City last weekend.

Scans have since revealed that Joao will be ruled out for the next three weeks after sustaining a fresh injury.

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Joao marked his return with the opening goal in the Stoke clash but after going down midway through the first half at Madejski Stadium, scans have revealed he is set for a fresh spell on the sidelines.

"It isn’t connected to the other injury that he had. Perhaps it as a slight result of it, in terms of his biomechanics and how it affected him in the game.

"He pulled up at the weekend and it did affect us and the way we were flowing at the time.

"I’m told that maybe in three weeks he’ll be back. 

"We certainly haven’t written him off for the rest of the season but we’ll monitor him and see how we go."

Andy Yiadom is unlikely to be risked by Mark Bowen, after the right back sustained a hamstring injury in Reading's final warm-up game ahead of the season return.

"Andy Yiadom has had a tight hamstring.

"I dare say, if it was a cup final on Saturday, he’d be pushing for a start.

"I’ve got to be mindful as we have a game this weekend and then on Tuesday."

Matt Miazga is also set to miss out on Saturday, with Mark Bowen mindful of Reading's upcoming schedule. 

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