Reading are waiting on the fitness of winger Jimmy Kebe ahead of the visit of Sheffield United.

Kebe missed the goalless draw with Swansea in midweek after picking up a groin injury at Newcastle last weekend but manager Brendan Rodgers is hopeful of having him available.

James Henry filled in on the right flank against Swansea and is ready for another start if required as Rodgers keeps faith with playing one central striker despite his side failing to find the net in the league this season.

Czech Republic international Marek Matejovsky is still not considered match fit after a recent groin injury while former Sheffield United left-back Chris Armstrong has seen a specialist this week in a bid to cure his long-standing knee condition.

Ivar Ingimarsson remains on the sidelines with a long-term knee injury as the Royals look for their first home win since January.

Sheffield United boss Kevin Blackwell could be without midfielder Brian Howard for the trip.

Former Barnsley man Howard was forced off during the 1-1 draw with Leicester on Tuesday night after coming down with tonsillitis.

"We don't know when it came on but what we do know is that the lad has got no energy because of it and is very lethargic," said Blackwell.

However, fellow midfielder Lee Hendrie is available once again after serving a four-match ban for his dismissal after the whistle during the play-off final defeat to Burnley at the end of last season.

Defender Derek Geary is facing a battle to save his career as he is struggling to recover from a long-term knee injury.