The Royals are on a winless run of six games, having drawn their last five and failed to score in the last two.
Long-term absentee and usual Reading captain Ivar Ingimarsson (hamstring) completed 90 minutes for the reserves in midweek and the defender could feature at Pride Park. His Icelandic compatriot Brynjar Gunnarsson (knee) is also back in training but the defensive midfielder is not expected to start.
Young midfielder Jake Taylor came through an hour of the reserve match following his recovery from knee surgery and will rejoin full training soon.
Irish defender Julian Kelly (hamstring) is another injury concern but was not expected to compete for a first-team berth.
Source: PA
Source: PA