Kieron Dyer broke his leg at the Memorial Stadium and is likely to miss most of the season.
Midfielders Freddie Ljungberg and Scott Parker are getting back to full fitness but may not make the squad.
Reading are set to welcome back defenders Graeme Murty (hamstring) and Nicky Shorey (knee) against the Hammers, who have tried to buy the latter.
Striker Shane Long is doubtful because of a broken thumb and wingers Seol Ki-Hyeon (back), John Oster (ankle) and Glen Little (Achilles) are still sidelined.
Defender Ibrahima Sonko (knee) is not yet fit but has trained with the first team for the first time.
Teams
Reading (from): Federici, Murty, De la Cruz, Ingimarsson, Bikey, Duberry, Shorey, Golbourne, Fae, Cisse, Harper, Gunnarsson, Hunt, Convey, Doyle, Lita, Kitson, Long, Cox, Halls.
West Ham (from): Green, Neill, Ferdinand, Upson, McCartney, Noble, Mullins, Boa Morte, Bellamy, Zamora, Wright, Spector, Collins, Gabbidon, Pantsil, Dailly, Ljungberg, Parker, Bowyer, Etherington, Ashton, Cole.
Sporting Life