Cardiff v Reading. Pre match news

Last updated : 28 November 2008 By Angus Muller

Jones was seething at the manner of his side's 2-1 defeat at Plymouth at the weekend, labelling the defending at Home Park as the worst he has seen since he came to the club.

But he is boosted by the possible return of several players for the tough clash against the Royals.

Strikers Ross McCormack and Jay Bothroyd may be fit enough to play some part as they make their way back from hamstring problems, while midfielder Riccardo Scimeca (groin) is also in the reckoning having made the bench at the weekend.

Defenders Gabor Gyepes and Miguel Comminges could both start while goalkeeper Tom Heaton (cramp), defender Kevin McNaughton and midfielder Paul Parry all picked up knocks at the weekend and will face late fitness tests.

On-loan duo Wayne Routledge and Michael Chopra will be hoping to feature but Joe Ledley (finger), Tony Capaldi (hamstring) and fellow midfielder Peter Whittingham (ankle) all remain sidelined.

Reading manager Steve Coppell will yet again have an unchanged squad available for the trip.

Coppell has been loathe to change his side all season but after the uncharacteristic defeat at home to Southampton on Saturday may shuffle his pack.

Czech Republic midfielder Marek Matejovsky was a second-half substitute at the weekend and is pushing hard for his first start since the opening day of the season.

Matejovsky spent two months out with an ankle injury but could be handed a start in place of the more defensive Kalifa Cisse as Coppell searches for an instant return to form.

The Royals have no fresh injuries though captain Graeme Murty has now returned to full training after his calf injury but is a long way short of match fitness while centre-back Sam Sodje is out with a knee injury.

Striker Dave Mooney remains sidelined with his ankle injury but Michael Duberry is now fully fit.

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