Reading FC striker Jack Marriott could potentially make a much needed return from injury when the Royals face Cardiff City on Saturday, April 18.
The 31‑year‑old striker has been sidelined in recent weeks with a hamstring issue, missing several key fixtures as Reading pushed to climb the League One table.
Marriott has been one of Reading’s most influential players since joining the club, contributing goals and experience to the side. His potential availability for the Cardiff fixture at the Select Car Leasing Stadium will be a welcome boost for manager Leam Richardson and supporters.
Reading have struggled for consistent attacking returns in his absence and the forward’s return could add an extra dimension to their game against a Cardiff side also chasing promotion.
Marriott’s return comes at an important stage of the season, with Reading looking to strengthen their position in the League One play‑off places. The experienced forward’s return could prove crucial in a match expected to be tightly contested.
The Royals struggled over the Easter weekend after late goals in both games meant that they only picked up one point from their two matches as they dropped out of the play-off places.
Cardiff, themselves boasting a strong attacking record, will provide a stern test for Reading’s defence, but Marriott’s presence could lift the home side’s attacking threat.
Marriott has the best goals to minutes ratio in the division having netted 16 League One goals this campaign in 23 matches which means he has netted 0.82 goals per 90 minutes.
