Reading vs Blackburn Rovers - Brian McDermott faces defensive headache on Reading return

Reading's new boss Brian McDermott could be short of defenders for his first game back in charge of the club against Blackburn.

Andrew Taylor, Anton Ferdinand and Chris Gunter were all forced off during Wednesday night's defeat at Hull and are doubtful for the home clash.

Left-back Taylor, on loan from Wigan, sustained a rib injury, while centre-half Ferdinand (groin) and the versatile Gunter (cut eye) will also be monitored by McDermott, appointed permanent boss for a second time at the club on Thursday.

Midfielder Stephen Quinn returned to the bench as an unused substitute at Hull following a knee injury and is hoping to feature, but Aaron Tshibola (ankle) remains doubtful.

Blackburn midfielders Hope Akpan and Danny Guthrie could both feature against ex-club Reading for the first time.

The pair spent last season with the Royals before moving to Rovers this term and both started Monday night's 0-0 draw with Nottingham Forest.

Fode Koita will hope he did enough to keep his spot ahead of Chris Brown alongside Jordan Rhodes in attack, while Doneil Henry (hamstring) could be back in the squad.

Utility-man Jason Lowe (foot) is the only long-term absentee for Paul Lambert's side.