Reading boss Ruben Selles is hoping to have 'one or two' back in contention after time out with injuries for Saturday's trip to Charlton Athletic.
The Royals have endured a difficult start to life in League One, losing seven of their first 11 matches and still without a win away from home since December 2022.
Without a match over the weekend due to international commitments, Selles updated the media following last week's EFL Trophy win over Swindon Town.
Goalkeeper Coniah Boyce-Clarke, who was supposed to start against the Robins, pulled up in the warm-up.
Fellow understudy Joel Pereira was injured too, with further scans required for both.
"The last 24 hours has been a little chaotic on that because Joel [Pereria] got injured yesterday in the warm-up and Coniah got injured today in the warm-up to the game. It is what it is. Sometimes these things happen," he said last week.
However, in more positive news there is hope that Sam Smith could make his long-awaited return.
The forward, who signed from Cambridge United over the summer, is yet to make an appearance since returning to the club.
The 25-year-old had previously graduated from the club's Academy and made his debut as a teenager.
Mamadi Camara was also missing, but has returned to training and should be in line to return at the Valley on Saturday.
"Mamadi [Camara] is close and Sam Smith is close, training with the group. They are not completely ready, hopefully, next week one or two can be available for the game."
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