Swansea look to extend six-game unbeaten run against Reading

Swansea travel to Reading on Monday hoping to extend a six-game unbeaten run which has seen them collect 14 points from a possible 18.

Head coach Russell Martin will continue to manage midfielder Olivier Ntcham’s involvement as he observes Ramadan.

Ntcham, who is unable to eat during the day between April 1 and May 1 because of his religious beliefs, has been used only as a substitute so far this month to make the most of his energy levels, and scored his side’s equaliser against Barnsley on Friday after coming off the bench.

Midfielder Flynn Downes has returned to training after a knee injury and could be involved for the first time since the derby victory at Cardiff on April 2.

Hamstring

Reading boss Paul Ince hopes to have striker Lucas Joao available for Monday’s game against the Swans.

Jao was taken off as a precaution during Friday’s priceless 2-1 win at Sheffield United complaining of a tight hamstring after scoring the opening goal, but Ince is confident his only match-fit frontman will be available.

However, midfielder John Swift is likely to be missing once again after sitting out at Bramall Lane with a calf injury.

Defender Baba Rahman returned from a hamstring problem in South Yorkshire, while Tom McIntyre, whose winner left the Royals nine points clear of the relegation zone, will hope his exploits have earned him another start.

The Royals are currently fourth from bottom, just one place above the Championship drop zone but have a nine-point cushion over third-from-bottom Derby County.