Reading boss Ruben Selles has revealed why the club opted not to push back next month's clash with Cambridge United despite it coming less than 72 hours on from an FA Cup second round tie with non-league Harborough Town.
The U's visit Berkshire on Tuesday, December 3 while Harborough of the seventh tier are to face up against the Royals on Sunday, December 1.
It is understood that the club could have moved the League One clash back 24 hours to Wednesday, December 4, but opted not to.
I’m told it was the club’s call not to push Cambridge back to the Wednesday. They could have done if they wanted to. Be interesting to see the strength of the sides put out in a busy week. No doubt some tough calls to make #readingfc
— James Earnshaw (@james_e1871) November 8, 2024
Speaking to the media after Saturday's 1-1 draw with Stevenage, Selles revealed that his priority is the league, and by pushing the match back it would impact heavily upon their following game at Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday, December 7.
"I think I made my point clear- my priority is League One," he said. "By playing on Wednesday and Saturday, I will condition both games in terms of physicality. We will play Cambridge and then we will have four days to play the next game so we will be able to compete in both games."
Reading have endured a difficult autumn to date, facing a period of four matches in 10 days in October with a threadbare squad.
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