Royals sweating over duo's fitness

Reading have confirmed that defender Ibrahima Sonko will miss the start of the new season, while goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann remains doubtful. Sonko is making good progress after an operation to reconstruct a cruciate ligament in his right knee, but is not expected to be ready for first-team action until the end of August at the earliest.

The new season kicks-off on August 11 with the Royals facing Manchester United and Chelsea in their first two games.

Hahnemann broke his right hand during the final game of last season at Blackburn. He had 18 screws and two pins inserted into the hand during surgery in the United States last month.

With that opening schedule, Reading won't get a look from most fantasy managers. But something of which to be aware.