Reading Football Club News

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

• Ground:Madejski Stadium
• Capacity:24,200

Coppell waits on Kitson

11 Nov 2006 - 12:00:29

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Reading boss Steve Coppell admits he doesn't know when star striker Dave Kitson will be back in action as he continues to struggle with a knee injury.

The 26-year-old has not played since the opening day of the season and the Royals are hoping that the injury will eventually clear up, rather than risking surgery.

Coppell said: "We have missed the option of a more physical presence.

"My job would demand that we have to get someone (in January) if the signs of recovery are not complete by then.

"An operation is always the last resort. You can't just think about what is quickest, you have to find the best long-term option and that is to let it recover naturally, or as naturally as possible.

"That is what we have tried to do. If he had had surgery he might have made a quicker recovery, but that is not the bottom line as far as we are concerned.

"A major intrusion into the body has got to be avoided at all costs. We have given up on setting a date. He will be back as quickly as possible."