Reading captain Andy Yiadom could be just one 90 minute performance away from a return to first-team action after 10 months out, manager Noel Hunt has confirmed.

The 33-year-old has over 200 Royals appearances to his name since arriving in 2018 but has been unable to feature since a 2-0 win at Bristol Rovers in April 2024 due to injury.

After a 45-minute return for the Under-21s at Aston Villa and a 60-minute cameo at Sunderland on Monday, the former Ghana international could make a return to a first-team squad this month, should he play the full 90 minutes against West Ham United on Monday.

Speaking ahead of Saturday's clash with League One leaders Birmingham City, Hunt said: "He is still ticking a few boxes, but he is feeling good. We will have a look- there is an Under-21s game on Monday night- and try to get him 90 minutes. After that, I think he’s fair game to come into the squad.

"He is a big character for us and has been club captain for a long time, so he knows what the club is about, and he gets it. The more we get him with the group, the better."

The right-back is not the only long-term absentee edging toward a return, with winger Adrian Akande available for selection this weekend and midfielder Ben Elliott returning to non-contact training this week after an operation on his thigh.

"It went really well [meeting with consultant] so he [Ben Elliott] will hit the grass this week. He has a number of steps to overcome before he gets into contact training but it’s positive, the surgeon was really happy with him so that’s good news.

"Adrian did well last week so he puts himself into contention. That’s what we’re looking for- it’s important we go there and get match minutes into the ones that haven’t’ played so when they do play, we’re not playing catch-up.

"I think all the boys that went on Monday applied themselves really well. It’s a long way to go- Sunderland- but there were no gripes, they applied themselves and did well."

Harlee Dean remains a long-term injury doubt after limping off against Huddersfield Town, with Amadou Mbengue returning after a month out himself.