CUP PREVIEW | Reading v Charlton

Michael Appleton revealed in his pre-match press conference that Conor McGrandles (calf) is set to miss around four to six weeks after pulling out of training on Friday.

Harry Isted (knee), Terry Taylor (ankle), Panutche Camará (hamstring), Chuks Aneke (hamstring) and Miles Leaburn (hamstring) are also unavailable.

Tom McIntyre is sidelined for the hosts with a muscle injury, while Southampton loanee Dom Ballard (knee) is expected to miss the rest of the season.

Rubén Sellés’ side progressed to the knockout stages of the Bristol Street Motors Trophy in fine fashion, winning all three of their group games against Exeter City, Swindon Town and Arsenal’s U21s and scoring 19 goals in the process.

The Royals come into the clash on the back of a 2-1 defeat against non-League Eastleigh in the Emirates FA Cup second round on Sunday. That was preceded by a 5-1 success at home to Carlisle, which lifted Reading off the bottom of the Sky Bet League One standings.

Charlton and Reading have squared off on 44 previous occasions with the Addicks winning 16, the Royals 17 and the remaining 11 fixtures resulting in draws.

Appleton’s men ran out 4-0 victors in the last meeting between the two sides in October, courtesy of second-half goals from Aneke, Tyreece Campbell, Alfie May and Leaburn.

Peter Wright will be the man in the middle on Wednesday. The referee has overseen 17 games so far this season - including Charlton’s 1-1 draw at Stevenage. Wright has brandished 62 yellow cards and two red cards in that time.

Wright will be assisted by Stuart Kane and Shaun Farrer, while Richie Watkins is the Fourth Official.

The Addicks will be sporting their red home kit in Berkshire.

Tickets for Wednesday’s tie are now off sale, but remaining tickets can be purchased from Reading’s main Ticket Office from 4.30pm on matchday (card only), with no price increase.

Fans collecting tickets can do so from the same point, which is located next to gate five.

Supporters all over the world - including those in the UK and Ireland - can watch every kick of Wednesday's action live on CharltonTV. Click here to purchase your match pass.