Speaking to the press at Woodhouse Grove this afternoon, interim manager Mark Trueman revealed bad news on both Tyreik Wright and Josh Neufville.
And with Ibou Touray away on international duty with Gambia, that leaves Corey O’Keeffe as the only natural wing back still available.
The likes of Kayden Jackson and George Lapslie may have to fill in those positions, with Trueman admitting Neufville would be ruled out for Reading after suffering a hamstring injury in City’s last league game against Luton.
He said: “It’s going to be a few weeks for Josh.
“It’s not a serious injury but it’s one we’ve got to manage, with how explosive he is as a footballer.
“We’ve got to make sure he’s 100 per cent when he returns.”
Wright has suffered a “slight setback” in his recovery, having torn his quad ahead of the opening league game against Peterborough.
Trueman said: “Tyreik’s got another re-scan on Friday, so we’ll be able to tell you more on Saturday.
“He was out on the grass a couple of days ago and had a slight little setback, so that’s why we’ve got him in on Friday.”
Fortunately, Aden Baldwin has fully recovered after struggling towards the end of the Luton game, Trueman confirming it was just cramp and that he will be fit to face Reading.