Sheffield United will be without midfielder Nick Montgomery.
Montgomery sustained a knee injury in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Millwall and is waiting to learn the full extent of damage to his cartilage and ligaments.
The Blades will also be without defender Rob Kozluk, who sits out the second of a three-game suspension.
Lee Williamson, however, returns from his ban and could step in for Montgomery, while Johnny Ertl provides manager Micky Adams with an alternative option.
Striker Jamie Ward will not be included as he recently became a father for the first time.
Defender Nyron Nosworthy is hoping to make his first appearance since sustaining an ankle injury on New Year's Day after returning as an unused substitute against Millwall.
Adams is chasing his first win as Blades boss after nine games in charge.
Reading will be without Jem Karacan for the game.
Turkish midfielder Karacan was sent off for a high challenge against Norwich at the weekend and begins a three-match ban.
Fellow midfielder Mikele Leigertwood completes a three-match ban after he was charged for violent conduct by the FA following the recent draw at Cardiff so Brynjar Gunnarsson is favourite to start in Karacan's place.
Top scorer Shane Long scored against Norwich despite needing an injection in his hip injury and he will again be monitored, while winger Jobi McAnuff is also out.
He missed out at Carrow Road with an ankle injury and is unlikely to return, but midfielder Brian Howard is back in contention after recovering from his toe injury and defender Alex Pearce is also back in the squad after a thigh complaint.
