McAnuff has undergone a minor hernia operation and, although he is not expected to be sidelined for long, the clash with the Clarets will come too soon for the 30-year-old. Joseph Mills is likely to continue on the left of midfield, with Kaspars Gorkss taking the captain's armband.
Full-backs Andy Griffin and Shaun Cummings (hamstring) have both missed the Berkshire outfit's last two matches and may not be available, with Matthew Connolly and Ian Harte set to fill in on either side of defence once again.
Tomasz Cwyka could be included in McDermott's matchday squad after missing the trip to Derby in midweek, but striker Karl Sheppard is unlikely to feature after picking up a minor knock this week.
Burnley full-back Kieran Trippier is an injury doubt.
Trippier turned in a superb individual performance during Tuesday night's 2-0 win over Barnsley but was forced to make way in stoppage time.
The ex-Manchester City youngster is still suffering with a stiff back and will be assessed ahead of the Madjeski Stadium clash.
Martin Paterson is another player facing a late fitness test as he battles to return from a hamstring injury picked up during last month's win at Middlesbrough.
Fellow hamstring victim Junior Stanislas has stepped up his own recovery this week but Friday night's game comes too soon for the former West Ham winger.
Eddie Howe's men can close to within a point of the npower Championship play-off places with victory in Berkshire.
Source: PA
Source: PA