Reading boss Paul Ince has confirmed that 'eight or nine' first team players are out for the trip to Bristol City tomorrow.

Joining the long-term stars, such as Junior Hoilett and Shane Long, is the short-term issues to key men Andy Carroll and Tom Ince.

Ince- the top scorer with nine goals- is a serious doubt for the trip to Ashton Gate, while Carroll-with another seven goals to his name- is having trouble with his groin.

Experienced defender, Scott Dann, joins Liam Moore and Tom McIntyre on the medical bench for what is a heavy-looking injury list.

Ovie Ejaira, who has not featured in 2023, is due to have an operation while Baba Rahman and Sam Hutchinson are also not due to play another match for the season.

Reading Chronicle:

This news comes the same day as Ince hints that the EFL six-point deduction is 'imminent' and the Royals are thrown into another relegation battle.

In more positive news, fan favourite Yakou Meite will make a return in Bristol- looking to add to his three goals for the season.

Speaking on the injuries, Ince said: "We’ve got a few knocks. Obviously it’s something you’ve seen all season. I’m not sure whether we should dig up this place and put it somewhere else because we’re cursed at the moment. Scott Dann’s got a new injury, Thomas [Ince] has an injury that we’re keeping tabs on, as we stand we’ve got eight or nine first team players out for Saturday. We’re going to have to wait and see. We don’t want to show our hand and we want to give him a bit of time but it’s not looking good. The same with Scott Dann. It’s a case of reassessing and see how we go.

Reading Chronicle:

"If you think about the start of this season, we had the Under-21s on the bench. We’re back to that now, so it’s an opportunity for them to stand up and participate. You hope so [that they’re capable of stepping up]. When you get to this part of the season, you want to have a squad of 20-25 players. Every club in January brought in four or five. Everyone has strengthened, we haven’t had that luxury. That’s why you pick up these injuries, asking the same players to go to the well. When you go to the last eight games of the season with 13 or 14 senior players, it’s tough."