Reading FC boss Paul Ince provided injury updates ahead of the Royals’ Friday night visit to Birmingham City.
The Royals go into the contest in eighth place in the Championship having returned to action with a win over Coventry City last weekend.
Reading have suffered several defensive issues over the last couple of months with central defenders Sam Hutchinson, Tom McIntyre, Naby Sarr, Scott Dann and Liam Moore all out of action.
Meanwhile, vice captain Tom Holmes had to be withdrawn early against Coventry after suffering a head injury.
“Sam Hutchinson has done a couple of sessions in the gym and is hoping to get on the grass tomorrow,” said Ince.
“Tom (Holmes) felt a bit sick which is a sign of a concussion so the protocol comes into play.
“He’s been in today on the bike but he won’t be quite ready for Friday/
“Since I’ve been here he’s been great for us and as a manager you want your players to be able to play 30 or 40 games.
“He’s grown up and matured, he’s vice captain now and will be a big miss for us.”
Ince’s team will also be without Ovie Ejaria who missed the club’s trip to Tenerfie during the World Cup due to disciplinary issues.
“Ovie has done his knee. It was a whack he got in an under 21s game. It cou;d be two or three weeks out.”
However, there has been more positive news on the injury front as experienced defender Dann may be in contention to make the squad on Friday.
“I might use him (Scott Dann) on Friday.
“He’s done 13 weeks, a lot of training.
“He’s done more than Tom McIntyre and Naby Sarr, and McIntyre played 70 minutes. It’s great to have him back.
“You can see he’s a leader from the way he speaks, he’s got Premier League experience and knowledge.
“We’ve got Naby (Sarr) back now, so we’ve got some real men in our team, which is great.
He doesn’t know it yet, but he might be on the bench on Friday.
“Tom Holmes is out so it is needs must. It’s good to have him on the training ground.
“There has been no reaction from Saturday for Tommy Mac, Naby Sarr or Scott Dann so that’s a good sign.”
