Reading FC dealt major Lucas Joao injury scare during friendly with Brighton

Reading FC manager Paul Ince is sweating over the fitness of Lucas Joao after the striker went off injured during the friendly with Brighton on Saturday.

The striker was actually left out of the starting line-up at the Select Car Leasing Stadium and came on early in the second half, replacing Tyrese Fornah. However, he limped off half an hour later with an injury to his left knee.

The 28-year-old was seen post match with an ice pack on his knee and walking fine, so Ince will be hoping it is not a serious injury.

Speaking after the 2-1 defeat against the Seagulls, the boss said: "It's another thing, that's why we need strength in depth. He [Joao] was only down to play 35 minutes but he got a little tackle and is on the medical bench. We don't know what it is [yet] so we'll have to see. But it just shows you, we can't afford to lose players, just before the season because then we're back to square one."

Pascal Gross and Solly March were both on target for the Premier League visitors, who were 2-0 up early in the second half. They were pegged back by a penalty converted by Yakou Meite - his third goal in as many games this summer. Royals' Championship campaign gets under way next Saturday at Bloomfield Road away at Blackpool.