READING FC are facing mounting injury issues ahead of tomorrow’s crucial home clash against fellow strugglers Millwall (3pm ko).

Strikers Jon Dadi Bodvarsson and Sam Baldock are both major doubts while midfielder Saeid Ezatolahi is likely top miss out after picking up a knock on international duty with Iran.

Baldock has recovered from a calf problem and is back in training, but it is thought this weekend’s game could come too soon for the summer signing from Brighton.

Fit-again David Meyler is likely to replace Ezatolahi in central midfield, while Marc McMulty and Yakou Meite could spearhead the attack in the absence of top-scorer Bodvarsson and Baldock.

Boss Paul Clement also confirmed Garath McCleary and Callum Harriott are both available for selection after recovering from long-term injuries.

But defenders John O’Shea and Paul McShane have both been ruled out as they recover from knocks.

Paul Clement on the Saeid Ezatolahi injury:

“He came back injured which was very unfortunate considering he was getting fit, his performances were growing and we began to see what a good player he is.

Reading Chronicle:

“He’s having a scan today to find out the severity of the injury, so he’ll be out for the short term.”

Sam Baldock, Jon Dadi Bodvarsson and John O’Shea availability:

“Baldock has returned to training and Bodvarsson and O’Shea return imminently.

“It’s questionable whether they’ll be ready for Saturday. It is possible, but more likely next weekend for those three.”

Garath McCleary and Callum Harriott fit and ‘in contention’:

“There are no physical issues and they are in better condition. They trained here every session during the international break so their condition is getting better.

“They’re showing a good attitude so those two, like the others, are in consideration for the weekend.

“I see them as in contention. I don’t necessarily feel they need to play more Under 23 games, practice games or training sessions. They’re in a group of players now that need to be considered by me.”

Reading Chronicle:

Callum Harriott, left, and Garath McCleary, centre, are fit and available.

No sign of a return for Jordan Obita or David Edwards:

“They’re still out and I don’t know when they’ll be joining in. Any time in October is looking unlikely.”

Reading have won only one of their six home games so far this season as they prepare to take on Neil Harris’ Lions at Madejski Stadium.

Clement’s men sit one point off the bottom of the Championship in 21st position, with Millwall one place higher with one more point.

Royals’ boss says he has been using the fortnight’s international break to work with his squad at Hogwood Park, though several first-team regulars were away with their countries.

He explained: “It was an opportunity to train, get ideas across and work on our physical condition and the mental aspects.

“On the other side some of our key players like Saeid, Andy Yiadom, Leandro Bacuna and Chris Gunter – important players – were away, so you miss that.

“Thursday was the first time everybody was back, we’ve got one more training session then we’re playing Millwall.”