Reading could welcome back Anton Ferdinand when they host Sky Bet Championship leaders Brighton.

Centre-half Ferdinand is fit after six weeks out with a calf injury and may be drafted in to help shore up a defence which blew a two-goal lead to lose 4-2 at Fulham last weekend.

Winger Hal Robson-Kanu and midfielder Stephen Quinn are still missing, however.

Robson-Kanu suffered an ankle injury on international duty with Wales and Quinn recently underwent a knee operation which will keep him out until the turn of the year.

The Seagulls will be without left-back Gaetan Bong, who sustained a knee injury against Preston last weekend and could face a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Midfielder Dale Stephens will be assessed after he missed the goalless draw at the Amex Stadium with a thigh problem.

Winger Kazenga LuaLua (groin) and centre-half Gordon Greer (knee) are back in training following their recent lay-offs and will also be handed fitness checks.

Striker Beram Kayal returns after a one-match ban and midfielder Jake Forster-Caskey is available after completing a month's loan at MK Dons.