Wednesday’s Gardner goes under the knife but Cox should face Barnsley

The club’s worst fears were realised last week when scans revealed the full extent of the centre-half’s injury, sustained during the 1-1 draw at Middlesbrough at the end of last month.

Wednesday’s Championship rivals Nottingham Forest insist that striker Simon Cox did not suffer an injury playing for the Republic of Ireland last week.

Reports yesterday suggested that Cox might be a doubt for Forest’s game fixture against Barnsley at the weekend after sustaining a dead leg during his country’s 2-1 defeat to Sweden.

However, the Reds are adamant that is not the case and issued a statement on their official website to clarify the situation.

Reading manager Nigel Adkins has told Pavel Pogrebnyak to make the most of a “fresh start” at the Madejski Stadium.

The Russian striker was linked with a move away from Berkshire following Reading’s relegation, but with the transfer window now closed Adkins wants him to play a part in the Royals’ promotion bid.

“With the window open there was lots of speculation about Pavel leaving or whatever,” Adkins said.

“It’s fair to say he’s had a disappointing period but it’s a fresh start for him.”

Rochdale have been dealt a blow with confirmation captain Peter Cavanagh will be sidelined for up to six weeks due to an Achilles injury.

The midfielder had been scheduled to return last weekend after serving a three-game ban, but missed out because of tendonitis.