Team News: Reading vs Wigan

It seems both teams are struggling with injuries ahead of this game, but both also have the luxury of having big squads to choose from.

Reading will once again be without long-term injury problems Jem Karacan, Jason Roberts and Mikele Leigertwood, who are probably not going to be back on the turf until easter time, but the latter could return sooner depending on his progress.

Talisman Danny Guthrie is set to return from his one game suspension, after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season. Chris Baird is back in training after recovering from a sprained ankle, but is unlikely to be considered for this game.

Stand-in skipper Sean Morrison is still recovering from a knee injury suffered last month, but could be back in action after the new year. The only change Adkins is likely to make is to bring Guthrie back into the team at the expense of Jobi McAnuff.

The visitors Wigan also have their fair share of injury problems, the most notable being that of Shaun Maloney, who is still recovering from a hip operation. Striker Grant Holt has been rested for the past two games, so could well make an appearance in this one.

The duo of Ali Al-Habsi and Gary Caldwell played in a reserve fixture last week, but are still not near the required fitness to be considered for selection. Summer signing Juan Carlos Garcia is also out with injury, and is still yet to make his first Latics appearance.