Royals defender Michael Duberry was left hugely frustrated after being ruled out for up to a month with a calf injury.

The former Chelsea man played his first game of the season against Luton in midweek as he returned from a hamstring problem, but could only get 20 minutes under his belt before hurting his calf.

A downbeat Duberry said, "Am I frustrated? Well I'd tell you straight but I can't swear in interviews can I?! I can't be too down, I'll get a hug from the missus and a kiss from kids and I'll be alright again.

"I was hoping to give the manager a selection problem and be in the hat to be involved on Saturday. Fearny had got me fit and now I just hope it's not too bad.

"I just went up for a header, I didn't even jump and my calf popped. I'd done all my preparations, put a good shift in but then lady luck came and bit me on the backside."

Ibrahima Sonko is back in contention for Saturday after a one-match suspension, and Andre Bikey could make a return to the squad.

Graeme Murty, Marek Matejovsky and Brynjar Gunnarsson are also out of contention.

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