Reading will miss midfielder Ben Elliott for up to a month after the youngster was selected in Cameroon's Africa Cup of Nations squad.

The 21-year-old joined the club from Chelsea over the summer and has made 25 appearances for the Royals so far this season.

Playing for England youth sides up to 2018, Elliott's father is from Cameroon and he has since made four appearances since making his debut in June 2023.

Africa Cup of Nations is taking place from January 13 until February 11- hosted in Ivory Coast this year.

Elliott could miss as many as nine matches for Ruben Selles' Royals in what looks to be a busy schedule to start 2024.

He appeared for the final few minutes of Monday's 3-2 win over Exeter City, but has started only three of his 20 League One appearances.

Club captain Andy Yiadom and teenager winger Mamadi Camara are among those in the squad who missed out, with Ghana and Guinea-Bissau respectively, opting not to select the Royals.

Senegal are the current reigning champions.