Leroy Lita looks set to return to Reading's starting line-up when they host Hull City on Saturday.
The England Under-21 striker has been sidelined by a shin injury for the past month and, although he is now back in training, is still some way short of full fitness.
However, Royals boss Steve Coppell may have to rush him back as Dave Kitson's suspension has left him short of strike options.
Physio Jon Fearn told the club's official website: "We know already that Leroy's not going to be 100 per cent this weekend, but he will be good enough for the manager to want to include him in his squad.
"From that point onwards it will be the manager's decision whether to play him not.
"From a physiotherapy point of view there are problems with his power and other things that will take weeks to get exactly right. We'll rush him back a little because the situation dictates."
Should Coppell decide against starting with Lita, Nigerian forward Eric Obinna will make his first Championship start for the Royals.