You've got to feel for Aaron Tshibola. The 21-year-old Academy graduate has made quite an impression since breaking into the first team this season, but Brian McDermott fears he won't get the opportunity to add to his 16 appearances for The Royals in the 2015/16 season.
In the image of himself post-operation, Tshibola said, "Thank you God! Op went very well , thanks for the messages! Looking forward to getting on with my rehab now!! All the best to the lads today! 3Pts!"
The ball winner injured his hamstring in the FA Cup fixture against Walsall a couple of weekends ago and Brian McDermott couldn't be pushed into putting a timeframe on his recovery.
Speaking to the press, he said:
"He has had to have an operation on his hamstring. It was a difficult injury.
"I don’t know how long it will be, but any time you have surgery it’s something you have to really look after."
When asked if Tshibola will play again this season, McDermott added: "It’s February now so who knows.
"It’s a long time between now and the end of the season so I hope so."
On the face of it, this may not seem like significant news. But is it a coincidence that The Royals' poor run of form coincided with Tshibola's injury in the Fulham capitulation? You can certainly make a case for it.
Needless to say, everyone at The Tilehurst End wishes Aaron a speedy recovery.