Reading manager Brian McDermott will pick from an unchanged squad for the home clash with Cardiff.
McDermott has no new injury or suspension problems as his side look to bounce back from Saturday's 3-1 defeat at QPR and keep pace with the play-off contenders.
The Royals are without winger Jimmy Kebe again due to the knee injury that has forced him to miss the previous two games and Icelandic midfielder Brynjar Gunnarsson, sidelined since mid-September with a hamstring injury, is still out.
Strikers Noel Hunt and Simon Church are both pushing for recalls after starting on the substitutes' bench in recent weeks, but Shane Long was the first man to score from open play against QPR at Loftus Road this season and will expect to retain his place.
Jay Bothroyd returns to the Cardiff squad for the trip to Reading.
The Championship's 10-goal top scorer missed Sunday's derby defeat to Swansea through suspension having been booked five times this season.
Bothroyd is set to partner Michael Chopra in attack while Craig Bellamy could sit out to rest his knee.
Bellamy, who has started the last four games, also took a whack on the shin on Sunday.
Winger Chris Burke is pushing to return after his surprise omission at the weekend while Manchester United loanee Danny Drinkwater will be checked over having made his first appearance in two months following a thigh injury.
Defender Paul Quinn (knee) remains in the treatment room.
