Karacan out for Reading

Turkish midfielder Karacan was sent-off for a high challenge against Norwich at the weekend and begins a three-match ban.

Fellow midfielder Mikele Leigertwood completes a three-match ban after he was charged for violent conduct by the FA following the recent draw at Cardiff so Brynjar Gunnarsson is favourite to start in Karacan's place.

Top scorer Shane Long scored against Norwich despite needing an injection in his hip injury and he will again be monitored, while winger Jobi McAnuff is also out.

He missed out at Carrow Road with an ankle injury and is unlikely to return, but midfielder Brian Howard is back in contention after recovering from his toe injury and defender Alex Pearce is also back in the squad after a thigh complaint.

Source: PA

Source: PA