James Beattie stepped in for media duties ahead of the Doncaster Rovers clash on Saturday, as manager Leam Richardson was unavailable due to a personal appointment.
Richardson confirmed after the emphatic Reading 2-1 comeback against Bradford City at the end of February that the former Wrexham forward had picked up a hamstring injury and will be out until the ‘last two games of the season’.
Updates on the striker have been scarce since the beginning of march, but when Beattie was asked if there was any progress a smile beamed across his face with anticipation, he said: “That’s an exciting one but I think we’re going to see how Jack goes in the next couple of days or a few days.
“Maybe to see him reintroduced into training.”
When asked if he could be back for the Cardiff City clash, Beattie added: “if you ask the medical staff, no. If you ask me, then I’m optimistic.”
Reading FC v Lincoln City – Sky Bet League One 2025/26 (Image: ©Jason Dawson)
Brighton and Hove Albion loanee Kamari Doyle had picked up a knock in the 3-0 win against Wigan and was taken off at half-time. The attacking midfielder was instrumental for Reading’s first two goals in the 3-0 Royals’ win against the Latics, firstly with a pinpoint cross to Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan and then followed it up with playing a key part in forcing an own goal by Will Aimson.
To everyone’s surprise Doyle was included in the starting XI for Reading in the 1-1 draw against Huddersfield Town only two days after Richardson’s update – Though his return to the pitch felt like a rush move to try and secure three points ahead of a double-header over Easter.
Reading FC would come to face the consequences of their decision to give Kamari Doyle 83 minutes on Good Friday, as he would only manage less than 30 on Easter Monday against promotion securing Lincoln City.
Giving an update, Beattie said: “Kamari came off on Saturday. He is one of our big attacking threats. I think he’s had a scan but I think he’ll be doubtful for the weekend.
“He had a slight problem [Wigan] but he wanted to try it again because Kam’s been a big part of the team and the squad and as I said, the attacking options but he wanted to try it and felt it.
“So we thought it’d be better to take him off.”
Derrick Williams was player that picked up an injury, this time a few hours before kick-off on Easter Monday against Lincoln City – Richardson confirmed after the 2-1 loss that the defender had been suffering from neck spasms.
When asked for an update, Beattie said: “We’ll assess Derrick.
“He had a neck problem, which is getting better but again, that’ll be a day-by-day thing.”