Blog

Paul Ince says he is not sure when his son and key attacking midfielder Tom Ince will return from injury for Reading FC.

The 31-year-old missed a 1-1 draw at Bristol City on Saturday after experiencing an unspecified problem during the international break.

The former Blackpool, Derby County and Stoke City striker has been one of the team’s most impressive players this season, with nine goals and five assists.

READ MORE: Paul Ince on Reading’s draw with Bristol City, Lucas Joao’s goal, Yakou Meite and formation

However, he is expected to miss the next few games, and manager Ince, speaking after the game against Bristol City, was coy about how long the Royals would be without the player.

“You see what we miss when he’s not playing,” Ince said. “What Thomas gives us, you can’t replace. When he’s not in the team, you lose that creativity, our set pieces were bad and that doesn’t happen when he’s on the side because technically he’s very good. he is the top scorer, (has) the best assists.

“We can’t replace him. You need someone like him to have that connection from midfield to attacking and we don’t have it. I’m not sure when he’ll be back, it could be three weeks from now, I don’t know.” I don’t know, but let’s cross our fingers that he comes back soon.”

Ince is just one of 10 veteran players sidelined with injury for Reading. He is joined in the treatment room by Liam Moore, Ovie Ejaria, Junior Hoilett, Tom McIntyre, Shane Long, Sam Hutchinson, Baba Rahman, Dejan Tetek and Scott Dann.

The manager admitted that others have also been struggling with bumps as the season enters its closing stages. “Amadou Mbengue has had a thigh injury for a while, but he’s just trying to get over it,” Ince said.

“Carroll also has a hernia problem, but he’s getting over it. Everybody’s doing their part and trying to do business for the team.”

READ NEXT