Reading FC injury boost while three key men miss Oxford United clash

The Royals visit the Kassam Stadium on Wednesday night looking to leapfrog the third-placed U’s in League One.

Oxford go into the game off the back of a 1-1 draw at Barnsley whilst Reading follow a goalless draw against Plymouth Argyle at Home Park.

The two Thames Valley clubs face off for the first time since February 2024 which resulted in a 1-1 draw, Mark Harris getting on the scoresheet then.

Aaron Ramsey’s side are looking for a first victory over the Berkshire side in 27 years, the last coming in a 2-1 Division Two win in 1999.

Ahead of the midweek clash, Leam Richardson has been handed a huge boost to his squad.

Eight-goal striker Jack Marriott returned to action against Plymouth for the first time in six matches.

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The 32-year-old had scored eight goals in seven games before picking up an ankle ligament injury.

Marriott has scored two goals in six appearances against Oxford.

Meanwhile, the Royals are without three key players.

Forward Paddy Lane, who had hit a patch of form before picking up an injury, is set to miss several months.

First-choice centre back Benn Ward is also out, whilst former West Ham United midfielder George Earthy is side-lined for a few weeks.

Both Lane and Earthy have two goals to their name whilst Ward contributed a goal and three clean sheets before his setback.