Midfielder Swift set to return as Reading entertain Derby

Posted Friday, December 20, 2019 by PA

Reading boss Mark Bowen believes midfielder John Swift should be fit to return for Saturday’s Sky Bet Championship visit of Derby to the Madejski Stadium.

Swift has not played for almost four weeks due to a hamstring injury, but Bowen claims the player is now pain-free and will probably play some part against the Rams.

Striker George Puscas will require painkilling injections and strapping to a shoulder injury to get through the game after missing last weekend’s goalless draw at Stoke.

Full-back Andy Yiadom is doubtful with a knee injury that has forced him to sit out the last two games, while fellow defender Matt Miazga has been cleared of a pulled hamstring, but has not trained this week and is almost certain to be sidelined for a second game.

Derby manager Phillip Cocu is hoping defender Krystian Bielik and striker Jack Marriott will be fit to face the Royals.

Bielik has played in only one of the last four matches due to a hip injury, while Marriott sat out last weekend’s 1-0 defeat at home to Millwall with a minor muscle problem.

Defender Matt Clarke is closing in on a return from a knee injury after being sidelined since early November but remains out along with four other players.

Striker Mason Bennett, midfielders Graeme Shinnie and Tom Huddlestone (both hamstring) and defender Richard Keogh (knee) will need more time, according to Cocu.