Reading Football Club News

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

• Ground:Madejski Stadium
• Capacity:24,200

Kitson still struggling

07 Sep 2006 - 12:21:05

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Reading striker Dave Kitson is growing frustrated about the slow pace of his recovery from a knee ligament injury.

The 26-year-old picked up the problem during the opening day victory against Middlesbrough, but had hoped to be back in action in time for the visit of Manchester City on Monday.

However, a course of injections has failed to do the trick and he is still having difficulty changing direction while running.

"I'll have my third jab this week and I'll probably need a fourth as well," Kitson told the Reading Chronicle.

"It's worse than we first thought, although when I did it I knew I could be out for a while."

He added: "You can smash footballs around, but there are some movements you are not 100 per cent comfortable with like twisting and turning. I just can't do that. It's not painful but the medial ligament gives way.

"I can't put a time on when I'll be back. It's very much a case of 'it's ready when it's ready'. I won't rush it.

"Injections help but there's no substitute for the body's healing power."

Kitson's continuing fitness problems are likely to mean that Leroy Lita avoids being dropped, despite angering Royals boss Steve Coppell by being arrested in connection with an allegation of grievous bodily harm.