READING FC manager Paul Ince gave fitness updates on his team ahead of their Championship clash with relegation battling Blackpool.
The Royals have relied on their home form to keep them away from relegation trouble and currently have the sixth best home record in the division.
Ince will be without captain Andy Yiadom who is serving the second match of his suspension and also has both short and long term injuries to contend with.
He said: “Tom Holmes did a bit today, but he will be a big doubt.
“He’s not played for three weeks. We’ll have a look at him tomorrow but it will be 50/50.
“Lucas Joao is still out with a knee and we will back in on Monday.
“Ovie Ejaria had an injection in his knee yesterday and will be another one or two weeks.
“Baba Rahman will be another long term one, maybe after the international break.
“Sam Hutchinson is going to be out for a while, a long, long while. I’m not sure how long, but it’s going to be a while.”
Meanwhile, the Royals will have Jeff Hendrick, Shane Long and Tom Ince all bak in contention for Saturday’s match.
He continued: “Jeff (Hendrick) is fine. He had an upset stomach but is now fine.
“Thomas (Ince) is fit and ready to go
“Baba Rahman will be another long term one, maybe back after the international break.”
Looking ahead to the match, Ince is expecting a tough test against Mick McCarthy’s team.
“The home form has been ok but let’s not underestimate this Blackpool team,” said Ince.
“They’re organised with a new manager so it’s a tough game and we can’t be complacent.
“They’ve got some very good players, Patino from Arsenal, Rogers from Man City.
“They went to Blackburn and lost 1-0, but they’re a good outfit, organised and tough to beat so we need to be on it.
“We can’t be complacent, and if we are, we will get beat.
“It’s a difficult game but we’ve had a good week and there’s no reason why we won’t have the energy and intensity to perform.”
