Reading midfielder Andy Rinomhota has made his first appearance on the pitch since December after being named in the starting line-up for the club’s Under-21 side.
The 27-year-old, who returned to the Royals on a season-long deal following spells at Rotherham United and Cardiff City, had been absent from competitive action due to personal circumstances.
Rinomhota was called up by Zimbabwe in December for the Africa Cup of Nations but later withdrew from the squad, citing an “urgent” family matter in a statement posted on social media.
He has not featured in a Reading matchday squad since being named on the bench during the Royals’ 2-1 defeat by Peterborough United on 9 December.
Rinomhota’s inclusion in the starting XI for Reading Under-21s against Stoke City Under-21s in the Premier League 2 marks his first minutes in a competitive setting since that time.
Earlier this week, Reading manager Leam Richardson said the club was taking a cautious approach to the midfielder’s return, with his involvement at Under-21 level seen as a step towards full match fitness.
Reading face a trip to relegation battling Wigan Athletic tonight (Tuesday).
