Reading FC remain unsure on defender fitness for Charlton

The 23-year-old limped off the pitch toward the end of the last home match, a 1-1 draw with Leyton Orient, but has not featured in the last two away matches.

Selles has confirmed that the Luton Town loanee has fractured his back and that his involvement depends on how the pain eases before Saturday.

Speaking to the media after Reading's 1-0 win over promotion-chasing Stevenage on Tuesday, Selles said: "There is still no improvement in the pain. We take it daily. He went to the pitch to try and move but he cannot move yet so we will wait until tomorrow [Wednesday]. I think it will be very difficult for him to be involved on Saturday, but it is not impossible."

Now above the bottom four on goal difference, Charlton visit the SCL Stadium immediately above the Royals and under new management with Nathan Jones taking charge of his first match since his appointment last weekend.

Five defenders departed Berkshire over the January window, with Amadou Mbengue and Tyler Bindon the latest central defensive pairing for the two recent fixtures.

Winter addition Zane Monlouis was an unused substitute in Hertfordshire and is still awaiting his professional debut.