'He wasn't ready': Reading boss issues update on injured striker ahead of break

Reading boss Ruben Selles is targeting the next league match after the international break as the return date for forward Sam Smith.

The 26-year-old suffered injury ahead of last month's 4-1 defeat at Stockport County and has been missing for four first-team matches.

With five goals in 12 appearances this season, and 20 in total since his return last summer, the striker has been a considerable blow to the already light-on-the-ground Royals.

On Saturday, Reading drew 1-1 at Stevenage and do not return to League One action until November 23 at Peterborough United.

Not recovering in time to play in this evening's EFL Trophy clash with Newport County, Selles has targeted the trip to Posh for a Smith return.

"I don’t think he will be back [for Tuesday]. We didn’t risk him today [Saturday] because he wasn’t ready, but I think he can be ready for the next league game and that will be the target."

Heading into the international break, Reading sit inside the top 10 and are just two points outside the play-offs as the 15-game marker approaches.