Reading vs Blackburn Rovers preview - Triple trouble for Royals

Posted Friday, April 10, 2015 by PA

Reading are likely to be without three key players ahead of Blackburn's visit to the Madejski Stadium.

Defender Michael Hector has a knee problem which looks set to rule him out, Danny Williams came back from international duty with the USA with a knock and fellow midfielder Nathaniel Chalobah is still recovering from a foot injury.

Even if any of the trio were passed fit in time they would probably not be risked with the FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal looming on the horizon next weekend.

Defenders Jure Travner (groin) and Anton Ferdinand (calf) are still sidelined.

Blackburn will have four players eligible again following their 1-0 cup quarter-final replay loss to Liverpool on Wednesday night.

Paul Taylor, Jay Spearing and John O'Sullivan could all come into an injury-hit midfield, but while third-choice goalkeeper David Raya is also available once more, it is likely to be Jason Steele who replaces normal cup stopper Simon Eastwood between the sticks.

Gary Bowyer patched up players to feature in midweek and defender Alex Baptiste valiantly battled on deep into the second half with an upper-leg injury which makes him a serious doubt. Rudy Gestede (hamstring) was a substitute for the important tie against the Reds but his movement was severely limited and Craig Conway (hamstring) lasted 65 minutes on his first appearance in nearly a month, so it would be no surprise if either dropped out of the squad.

None of Grant Hanley (calf), Josh King (hamstring), David Dunn (calf), Chris Taylor (groin), Shane Duffy (knee), Jason Lowe (foot) and Chris Brown (hamstring) were fit enough to make Wednesday's fixture.