'It's a disappointing one': Reading defender to miss up to six weeks with calf injury
Reading defender Harlee Dean is to miss between four to six weeks with a calf injury, manager Noel Hunt has confirmed.
The 33-year-old was only a bit-part player for the first 18 months in Berkshire, but since the new year the former Birmingham City captain has been a regular in the heart of defence.
Becoming crucial to the set up in recent months, Hunt confirmed the sight of Dean limping off in Saturday's 0-0 draw with Huddersfield Town was a big blow to his side.
"He’s had a scan, and he said four weeks to maybe six but hopefully it’s four," Hunt said after Tuesday's 1-1 draw with Shrewsbury Town. "He has been great. He gave us great experience and calmness. Throughout the run of games, he got better and better so it’s a disappointing one for us.
"That’s where we are at the moment, one in and one out. We have to focus on what we have at this moment in time. The numbers that the lads put out on Saturday were through the roof, some boys had 13.5k so I think it took its toll come the second half. We have an extra day’s rest this week and look forward to the game on Saturday."
Fellow defender Amadou Mbengue took his place at Huddersfield and started in Tuesday's draw, his first start since January 4 after suffering an issue with his knee.
Both, with different qualities, bring out the best in young Tyler Bindon, who returned on loan until the end of the season after signing with Premier League Nottingham Forest in January.
