Royals midfielder Brian Howard will undergo an operation on Monday afternoon after suffering a broken jaw in the 2-1 defeat at Derby.

Howard will have metal plates inserted, and once the operation is complete we will know more about how long he will be out.

Physio Jon Fearn told readingfc.co.uk, "He has fractured his mandible, which is his jaw, and he's having surgery today to put stabilising plates in.

"It's difficult to say how long he will be out, we will see how the operation goes. Under normal circumstances it's 4-6 weeks before you're allowed contact but it could be sooner with protection."