Reading FC manager Veljko Paunovic has confirmed that the club has had no new positive covid-19 tests ahead of Monday’s match against Derby County.
The Royals have had three successive matches postponed throughout the Christmas period and are due to return to action for the first time since Saturday, December 11 when they host Derby at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
“We have a lot of players coming back and recovering well and we don’t have any more new cases.” said Paunovic.
“Some had more severe symptoms and some less. It didn’t hit us in one wave and at the same time, so we have different groups coming back at different times.
“We are slowly recovering the group and fitness-wise to be ready for the upcoming fixtures.
“It’s a threat (covid) for everyone and we were one of many teams to raise our hand when we couldn’t cope with it.
“It’s almost inevitable in these times.
“It’s our responsibility and we encourage everyone to be careful and avoid exposing themselves to risky situations.”
Paunovic reiterated that the club has held meetings with health experts to discuss vaccinations with players and staff.
He continued: “We’ve held several meetings in regard with health experts and doctors who are authorised to recommend and talk about the pros and cons of vaccinations.
“So this is the encouragement we give and then it’s up to individuals to decide what they want to do about it.”
The Serbian boss expressed his determination to add to his squad in the upcoming window, but admitted that there may be departures.
“The last thing we want is to lose someone, but it’s a winter transfer window and anything can happen.
“We have plans in place. We have already had some inquiries.
“We will be active with the limitations we are under to add some depth to the team which I think we still need and reinforcements.
“We want everyone to feel happy and wanted and part of the club whether they will continue with us or not.
“The sooner they (new contracts) are sorted, the better.
“But we have to have plans in place to replace if something goes the way we wouldn’t like.”
Paunovic also praised the form and cohesion of Monday’s opponents, Derby.
“They have had less time to recover but they are playing and winning games and are in good shape so it will be a big challenge for us.
“They are showing fantastic cohesion given their situation. We are in a similar situation, but for them, it’s harder with the points deduction they were hit with.”
