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It was of course Brian Howard who netted the only goal of the game in last season's clash at the Madejski which kept United's automatic promotion aspirations alive. The former Barnsley man is currently suffering for tonsillitis which forced him to the leave the field of play at half-time against Leicester City in midweek.
Speaking on Brian Howard, Kevin Blackwell said: "He only came in on Thursday to see the Doctor but I don't envisage 'Howey' travelling or playing or doing anything this weekend so that will force us into a change. I've written him off in my mind for the Reading game."
Lee Hendrie possibly returns back into contention after a four-game ban, but the the midfielder did pick up an injury in the reserves on Wednesday. Paddy Kenny is still out and so are Derek Geary and Gary Speed who both have long-term injuries.
The Royals have their fair share of problems too. Ivar Ingimarsson and Julian Kelly are both definite absentees.