Reading boss Ruben Selles has explained why captain Andy Yiadom was substituted after an hour in last night's 1-0 win over promotion-chasing Derby County.
The full-back who first arrived in Berkshire over five years ago had an excellent performance against the high-flying Rams, even hitting the post in the first-half.
However, some questioned the decision to replace the Ghana international with Amadou Mbengue after just 60 minutes, potentially disrupting the flow of the side.
In response, the Spaniard said: "With Andy Yiadom we know he had been out for a month He played last weekend fully and we know if he plays two games with only three days rest then the last part would be difficult for him with his knee so we knew we would have to make a substitution.
“We thought they would have a new player to step in that position especially if they were losing.
“We knew Andy would have difficulties coping with that in the second half so we prepared Amadou (Mbengue) because Andy was a bit lower in his performance in terms of some statistics in physicality."
Yiadom, now 32, has played the full 90 minutes in all but two matches since returning to the squad in September.
Reading host Leyton Orient on Saturday (3pm ko).
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