Foz set to miss out again as Royals take on Leicester

Last updated : 25 February 2005 By Rob Cooper
Midweek goalscorer Dave Kitson is once again expected to partner Lloyd Owusu up-front, although there could be a return to the team for injury-ravaged veteran Les Ferdinand.

The 38-year-old missed the mid-week game at Crewe with a minor groin injury but may be in line for a first team return this weekend.

However contract-seeking Nicky Forster is again unlikely to earn a place on the bench after a string of poor performances.

After dropping Fozzy from the squad that travelled to Gresty Road on Tuesday, Steve Coppell is preparing to let the 31-year-old forward go out on loan.

Royals boss Coppell has been shuffling his forwards in recent weeks in a bid to find some goals to bring an end to Reading's poor run. With super striker Dave Kitson back in action hopefully the Royals frontline can find the net this weekend.

Graeme Murty, a minor midweek injury worry, is expected to start at right-back tomorrow although former Leicester centre-back Martin Keown is unlikely to feature. The veteran, who has played just ten minutes of football for Reading since signing for the club last month, has been sidelined with a knee injury.

Visitors Leicester City have several injury worries heading into this weekend's game but will be hoping to keep their excellent run in Reading going.

The Foxes have never lost away to the Berkshire side and defeated the Royals 2-1 at the Madejski Stadium in last month's FA Cup fourth round tie. A last minute James Scowcroft goal gave the visitors victory over ten man Reading.

Joey Gudjonsson, Dion Dublin and Jordan Stewart are all minor injury concerns for the Foxes after picking up knocks in their midweek defeat to Stoke. However, all should play at least some part in the game.

Former Tottenham shotstopper Ian Walker is likely to return to the team after injury.

Despite being tipped for promotion back to the Premiership at the first attempt Leicester have endured a difficult campaign and currently sit eighteenth in the table. But City boss Craig Levein is hoping to win at Reading this weekend to bolster his team's poor league placing.

Speaking to the Foxes official site he commented: "We have been creating a lot of chances and playing well but results are everything. We could do with one on Saturday," he said.

"I am not delighted about our position in the Championship table as you can imagine. But as long as I can see us making chances and playing good football then I am convinced things will turn for us."

Premiership referee Uriah Rennie will take charge of this weekend's game.