Burnley vs Reading preview - Burnley have doubts over Andre Gray fitness

Posted Friday, September 25, 2015 by PA

Andre Gray is rated "touch and go" to feature in Burnley's game with Reading at Turf Moor.

The Clarets' record signing was withdrawn in the first half of Monday's goalless draw at Derby with a hamstring injury but the problem is not considered serious and he was back doing light work on Thursday.

Midfielder Joey Barton was an unused substitute in the East Midlands but has improved his fitness as he waits to make his debut, while Dean Marney (knee), Fredrik Ulvestad (ankle) and Kevin Long (knee) are all in the latter stages of their rehabilitation.

Lukas Jutkiewicz, Ashley Barnes (both knee), Jason Gilchrist (ankle) and Daniel Lafferty (collarbone) are still sidelined for the long term.

Reading boss Steve Clarke has no major new injury concerns following the midweek Capital One Cup defeat to Everton.

Clarke handed full debuts to forward Lucas Piazon and midfielder Alex Fernandez, plus wingers Ola John and Paolo Hurtado on Tuesday night, and must decide whether to retain them in his starting line-up.

Defender Anton Ferdinand remains sidelined with a thigh strain that has kept him out of the last three matches and striker Orlando Sa sits out the final game of a three-match ban.

Midfielder Danny Williams, striker Simon Cox and winger Garath McCleary are among those pushing for recalls as the Royals chase a third straight league win on the road.