Reading have received a boost ahead of their clash against Preston, with Lilywhites midfielder Ben Whiteman set to miss the clash.

The former Doncaster Rovers captain has been previously ever-present in the midfield for Ryan Lowe's side, but is to miss the next two matches with a torn muscle in their 1-0 win over Swansea City.

The Scouser has taken Preston to the brink of the play-offs, sitting in eighth- two ppints clear of Reading.

Speaking to the media on the injury, Lowe said it was a blow.

"He will miss two games, which is bad on Ben and bad on us, but at least it is only two games," said Lowe. "There are a lot of managers now, speaking about the intensity of the games and I have sleepless nights over it. We have got a good squad, but we haven't got a massive squad and most managers are speaking about it now - that you have to make changes for the sake of avoiding injuries."

Former Everton youngster Ryan Ledson looks set to be the man who comes in, having not played a full 90 minutes for a month.

Having injury troubles of their own, Reading could line up without a recognised centre-back with Tom Holmes and Tom McIntyre both carrying knocks.