Reading Football Club News

• Nickname:Royals
• Founded:1871
• Manager:Brian McDermott

• Ground:Madejski Stadium
• Capacity:24,200

Coppell facing Harper blow

17 Apr 2009 - 10:49:33

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Reading midfielder James Harper could miss the rest of the season due to a groin injury picked up during training.

The 28-year-old missed the recent games against Sheffield United and Blackpool and is doubtful foe the remainder of the Royals' campaign.

Boss Steve Coppell told the Evening Post: "James has been carrying the injury for a couple of weeks and then in a training session last Thursday I saw him side-foot a ball five yards and he was in a fair amount of pain.

"He will definitely miss Saturday's game and next Tuesday's and then after that you just don't know.

"Groin problems are the hardest injuries to read because they are so complex. The scan has identified where it is, but the timescale varies from person to person.

"But James is a fit player. If anyone is going to come back quicker then it is Harps as he is 100 per cent dedicated to his preparation and now his rehabilitation."