'We push and don’t shove': Reading captain returns to full training ahead of return
Reading captain Andy Yiadom has returned to full training and continues to edge towards a return after nine months out.
The 32-year-old with over 200 club appearances to his name was injured in April's 2-0 win over Bristol Rovers and is working his way back to fitness.
However, in a big step towards a return to action, the right-back has rejoined full training for the first time.
A big plus in what manager Noel Hunt as described as a 'positive week' on the injury front, the former Barnsley and Barnet captain is still a while away from a return and the club are working hard to ensure he is not put a risk of re-injury.
Speaking ahead of Saturday's trip to Leyton Orient, Hunt said: "He's on the right track. He trained fully today which is great to see. With someone like Yids, who has been out for the season, it is a series of tick boxes first. Every day is a win for Yids. He has been great around the group so we will keep progressing him without getting too emotional and trying to throw him in where he might drown. That is the important part- we push and don’t shove."
In other news, Michael Craig, Jeriel Dorsett and Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan have continued with progress after making second half cameos in Saturday's 3-1 defeat to Stockport County.
Craig and Dorsett gained more minutes in the legs on Tuesday, starting for the Under-21s in their International Cup draw with Valencia.
Speaking on their availability for the weekend's trip to Brisbane Road, Hunt added: "I think we’ve been good. It’s been a decent week. A few of the boys got minutes in the Under-21s game on Tuesday, which will build up their reserves. It’s been a positive week.
"We opted not [to play him in the Under-21s] because we thought he would get more time on the grass with us. He wasn’t quite at the level to start the game. He has had a good bulk of work this week.
"These boys coming back need a base, they’ve been out for a sustained period of time. Kelvin E has been out for 10-12 weeks and Jeriel nearly six weeks. Throwing them back in with muscle injuries is a danger and we want to keep them in for the long-term, not just two or three games and lose them again.
"It is important we keep them as fit and strong as possible, so you have to take the emotion of out it sometimes. You want to throw everyone in, but we have a good squad of young and experienced players so the ones in there can give everything they have."
Defender Amadou Mbengue remains out after suffering injury at Charlton Athletic earlier in the month.
