Reading FC options for Barnsley clash with key suspension
Reading make the trip to promotion-chasing Barnsley tomorrow on the back off a 2-1 victory at Peterborough United, but they will have to do so without key defender Amadou Mbengue.
Not only is the 22-year-old carrying a knock, which would have seen him miss the match regardless, the fan favourite is suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card at London Road.
The Tykes, who lost to Wigan Athletic on Saturday, sit above the Royals on goal difference with both fighting for a top six position heading into December.
With a thin squad as it is, the defensive line is set to get even younger at Oakwell with possible replacements for Mbengue.
Take a look below at four possible options to replace the Senegalese youngster for the trip to South Yorkshire.
22-year-old Dorsett has made a name for himself at full-back, notching up over 60 appearances and proving particularly impressive since his return from injury this month.
An option which will require some shifting of the backline, Dorsett featured at centre-back throughout his youth career and played from the start against Fleetwood Town in the FA Cup at centre-back.
With 16-year-old Andre Garcia a more than adequate left-back, Dorsett could be moved more centrally in place of Mbengue and Garcia fill in out wide.
19-year-old Kanu replaced Mbengue on the day at Peterborough to make his league debut and put in a real shift under intense pressure from Posh.
Highly-regarded during pre-season, a tough match at Colchester in August and an injury has limited his minutes so far this season.
However, now firmly back in the picture and involved regularly with the squad, the teenager could make his first league start tomorrow.
Harlee Dean
Vastly experienced at Championship level, former Brentford and Birmingham City captain Dean has been out injured but is set to return to the fold at Oakwell.
Only starting two cup games this season, there could be question marks over the 33-year-old’s readiness among some in the fanbase but he present a safer pair of hands for what is already an inexperienced backline consisting of 19-year-old Tyler Bindon and two out-of-position full-backs.
Without a start in League One since a 3-2 defeat to Portsmouth on October 28, 2023, it would be a bold move from Ruben Selles but a big opportunity for Dean.’
Louie Holzman
A bold choice seeing as Holzman is yet to make his league debut for the club, youngster Holzman has been around the first-team for a number of years despite his limited appearances.
Making his debut at the ill-fated FA Cup exit to Kidderminster Harriers back in 2021, the 21-year-old has five appearances for his hometown club in the three years since.
From good stock, with family members Mark Holzman and Jake Cooper former regulars in days gone by, Louie could add to his three cup appearances this campaign and be given his league bow at Oakwell.
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