The next round of the EFL Championship will be played this weekend without one of Nigeria’s brightest youngsters
Reading FC manager Veljko Paunovic has confirmed that young midfielder Oviemuno ‘Ovie’ Ejaria has tested positive for Covid-19 and is currently self-isolating.
The former England youth international was one of the first names on the Royals team sheet last season, featuring in 38 matches while scoring three goals and providing another five assists.
But the 23-year-old has not appeared in any of Reading’s league games so far this season after a slight knock ruled him out of the first two games.
However, Ejaria was expected to return and at least make the bench as the Premier League hopefuls hosted Bristol City at the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Tuesday evening.
But the midfield maestro was once again missing from the squad as the Royals fell to a 3-2 home defeat despite goals from Femi Azeez and Liam Moore.
Speaking to the media post-match, Paunovic confirmed that Ejaria had recovered from his injury and was only out of action because he is currently self-isolating after returning a positive Covid-19 test.
Ejaria will, as a result, not be available for Reading’s next trip to Coventry City at the weekend.
Despite having featured for the young Three Lions, Ejaria is still of interest to the Nigerian Football Federation and could be cleared to play for the Super Eagles any time soon.