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Irvine: Without Davidson

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Preston will be without Callum Davidson, while Brynjar Gunnarsson is doubtful for Reading.

Preston have lost their last four Championship games and face a stern test against a Reading side on a five-match unbeaten run.

Davidson, who was sent off during Preston's 3-1 defeat to Burnley, has now sustained a knee injury and will be unavailable for the clash.

Defender Michael Hart also suffered an ankle injury against the Clarets and will again be missing while midfielder Richard Chaplow is still out with a niggling hamstring injury picked up while running out of the tunnel at Turf Moor.

On-loan Blackburn defender Eddie Nolan is set to be included in Alan Irvine's injury-hit squad.

Goalkeeper Wayne Henderson (back) and defenders Liam Chilvers (Achilles) and Neal Trotman (hernia) remain sidelined.

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Gunnarsson was withdrawn early from Iceland's World Cup qualifying win over Macedonia and will be assessed by manager Steve Coppell before he names his squad.

Captain James Harper is a ready-made replacement, however, as he is now fully fit after the calf problem which ruled him out of the last three games.

Striker Noel Hunt is set to continue his partnership with Kevin Doyle after recovering from the concussion he sustained in heading the opener against Burnley a fortnight ago.

Marek Matejovsky made his comeback from an ankle injury in the reserves' win over Brighton on Wednesday, and after playing for an hour could be in the squad.

Defenders Graeme Murty and Michael Duberry are both still sidelined with calf problems.