Sean Morrison looks sure to miss out on a Huddersfield Town reunion when Reading visit on Saturday.
The centre-back played a key role in the club’s promotion to the Championship during a loan stint from the Royals in 2011-12.
Morrison played 22 times for Town, including the dramatic League I play-off final victory over Sheffield United at Wembley.
The 22-year-old has been a regular since returning to Reading, but like Town skipper Peter Clarke, is sidelined by a knee injury.
Morrison yesterday signed a new long-term deal that will keep him with the Royals until 2017.
In Morrison’s absence, Latvian Kaspars Gorkss and club product Alex Pearce have been alongside each other in central defence.
Fellow defenders Chris Baird and Wayne Bridge are also out, as well as midfielders Mikele Leigertwood and Jem Karacan and striker Jason Roberts.
Reading, sixth in the table to Town’s 11th, will also be without midfielder Danny Guthrie, who serves a one-match ban after a fifth booking of the season.
But Royals boss Nigel Adkins has better news on Dutch international frontman Royston Drenthe, who has been out with a foot injury.
The 26-year-old made his return from the bench in Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat by Bournemouth, and is now pushing for a starting spot.
“I’m really pleased to be back, it was really frustrating to be out for so long,” said the close-season signing from Russian club Alania Vladikavkaz, who had a loan stint at Everton in 2011-12.
“Getting the chance again to get some minutes is a really positive thing for myself, but I’m a winner and I’m only thinking about the team.
“The most important thing is Reading. Every game we need to go for three points, so it’s really disappointing we lost.”
The former Feyenoord and Real Madrid man added: “The gaffer makes the decisions and knows what is best for the team, but of course, I want to start every game – and I will be ready.”
Adkins has options up front, having brought in Billy Sharp, who played under him at Scunthorpe and Southampton, on loan from the South coast club.
Yorkshireman Sharp, 27, has scored once in his five outings (three from the bench) so far, while Russian Pavel Pogrebnyak has five.
Leading the club goal chart with seven is Adam Le Fondre, who played under Town manager Mark Robins at Rotherham.
