Reading vs Leeds preview - Karacan concern for Royals

Jem Karacan is a doubt for Reading's home game against Leeds.

The Royals skipper, who has only recently returned from a long-term knee injury, missed Saturday's 2-1 win at Wolves after suffering what boss Steve Clarke described as a 'niggle' during an Under-21 match last week.

Fellow midfielder Danny Guthrie is close to returning from a groin strain but defenders Anton Ferdinand (calf) and Chris Gunter (ankle) are set to miss out again.

New signing Yakubu will be hoping to make his debut having been an unused substitute at Molineux.

Leeds defender Giuseppe Bellusci will return to contention following suspension, but may have to settle for a place on the substitutes' bench.

Bellusci, found not guilty of racially abusing Norwich striker Cameron Jerome by the Football Association last week, has missed the last two games and recent signing Sol Bamba has impressed in his absence at the heart of defence.

Head coach Neil Redfearn, who has no major new injury problems following Saturday's home defeat to Brentford, could hand new striker Edgar Cani his first start but another recent signing, midfielder Granddi Ngoyi, has a thigh problem.

Midfielders Alex Mowatt, and Adryan, plus forwards Souleymane Doukara and Mirco Antenucci are pushing for recalls, while Chris Dawson is also in contention.