Reading manager Ruben Selles expects defender Amadou Mbengue to be out for’some days’ after hobbling off against Peterborough United, but maintains he has plenty of options for Tuesday’s game against Barnsley.
Harvey Knibbs scored twice in the first half, and the Royals fought hard to keep the Posh out for 96 minutes, eventually giving a consolation but holding on to win for the first time at London Road since 2001.
Mbengue, who received his fifth yellow card and will therefore miss Tuesday’s trip to Oakwell regardless of his fitness, will require replacement.
Young Abraham Kanu was Selles’ first-choice substitute in Peterborough, making his league debut and defending heroically throughout.
Speaking to the media after the game, Selles said that the 22-year-old will spend some time on the recovery table but is unlikely to miss much action.
“I was with the medical team, and there was a contact injury. It’s swollen a little right now, but we don’t expect a severe injury for a few days. He is already out for the next game, so perhaps he will return for the first game in which he is available.”
A ragtag back line of two youngsters, a midfielder, and an out-of-position full-back finished the game well and, with an average age of only 20, appeared wise beyond their years.
Despite missing a key member of the squad for Tuesday’s tough trip to South Yorkshire, Selles insists his squad is strong enough to cope.
“We can count the age of those players, and it is really exciting. I think the most exciting thing is to see how they’re playing- Michael Craig at right-back, Tyler Bindon as a player that is setting up the tone of the line, Jeriel Dorsett has been really good and today we needed to make a decision who to bring on the bench.
“We thought they were incredibly quick, and we weren’t going to change our strategy, so we needed defenders who could defend large spaces, and Abraham [Kanu] was the one. He has been sidelined for a couple of months due to an injury and personal issues, but he has been training hard in recent weeks and deserved his opportunity. He proved tonight that he can play, and we saw the same kid we saw in preseason. We must be resilient and persevere. He can play the game.
“Hopefully, Harlee Dean will also be available for the game. Louie [Holzman] has been training exceptionally well, and he was the extra player today, so he may have a chance…Read more
Leave a Reply