Deniss Rakels Continues Comeback From Injury In Under 23 Defeat

Deniss Rakels played 66 minutes for the Reading FC Under 23s as they lost 2-0 to Chelsea in the Premier League 2 this afternoon.

The 24 year old was stretchered off in the EFL Cup clash against MK Dons way back in August, before it was revealed that he would be in for a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a fractured ankle.

Jaap Stam confirmed in December that Rakels was back training, whilst he also featured in a friendly game against Brentford at Hogwood on Wednesday. But this afternoon's match, and a 45 minute appearance against Derby Under 23s last Tuesday has provided the Latvian with some competitive game time.

Although not directly involved in any of Reading's clear cut chances, Rakels was undoubtedly one of the Royals' better players with some nice moments of skill and a couple of good passes that other players may not have been able to see. He played on the left of the front three in the 4-3-3 formation, but did fade and lacked pace as the game went on, showing that he isn't quite up to full fitness just yet.