Jack Marriott’s latest injury is the latest setback in a Reading FC career which has been repeatedly disrupted by fitness problems.
The forward has suffered another injury issues which was confirmed by manager Leam Richardson following Reading’s pre-season win over Woking last weekend.
The full extent of the problem is not yet known.
Marriott joined Reading from Wrexham last summer and was expected to provide an experienced and proven attacking option for the Royals.
However, injuries have been a recurring theme during his time at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
The 31-year-old has struggled to put together a sustained run of matches, with fitness problems limiting his opportunities since arriving in Berkshire.
Yet when he has been available, Marriott has shown why Reading were keen to bring him to the club.
Despite his limited minutes, he has produced an excellent goalscoring return and has consistently demonstrated the quality to make a difference in the final third. He netted 16 League One goals in just 24 appearances last season.
His movement, finishing and experience have made him an important attacking option for Richardson, even when he has been unable to start regularly.
That has made the latest injury particularly frustrating for both Marriott and Reading.
The forward’s ability has never been in much doubt, but his time at the club has increasingly been defined by the question of whether he can remain fit long enough to build momentum.
Reading are already facing a shortage of attacking options following Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan’s expected departure, with the forward set to join Danish side AC Horsens for a reported fee of around £650,000.
Marriott’s injury could therefore leave Richardson with further uncertainty in attack ahead of the new League One season.
The Royals are expected to continue strengthening their forward options during the transfer window.
Reading begin their League One campaign away at Bromley on 8 August.
