Jon Dadi Bodvarsson, Lewis Baker, Ovie Ejaria, Tyler Blackett and Leandro Bacuna all available for Reading FC against Nottingham Forest

Gomes is facing a selection dilemma as he attempts to squeeze fit-again striker Jon Dadi Bodvarsson and new loan signings Lewis Baker and Ovie Ejaria into his matchday squad.

It is thought Gomes is reluctant to drop any player who featured in the FA Cup defeat at Manchester United in one of Reading’s best performances of the season.

Even Tiago Ilori, who limped off at Old Trafford with a hip injury at half time and has been linked with Sporting Lisbon, has recovered and is available.

Reading striker, Jon Dadi Bodvarsson.

In addition, Tyler Blackett – who is being chased by Wigan Athletic – and Leandro Bacuna are both back in the reckoning having served their three-match bans.

When asked if Baker and Ejaria have a chance of making their debuts tomorrow, Gomes replied: “They have the quality to help the team. I know from the conversations we’ve had they will help us with their technical ability and physicality. Both can play in a lot of positions in the middle like numbers six, eight and 10.

“Now I have a good problem in which players to pick. Maybe some matches one of these players will be out of the team, but these are good problems. This is why the manager’s life is not easy.”

Lewis Baker signed for Reading on loan this week.

Gomes confirmed six-goal Bodvarsson is in contention to face Forest and that Ilori has recovered from a knock.

“Hopefully Jon Dadi Bodvarsson will be on the list,” he said. “Tiago jumped with Romelu Lukaku last weekend and it was a heavy landing. But he’s training now an able to play.”

On Blackett and Bacuna’s availability, he added: “They can be in the squad, yes.”

However, John O’Shea, Paul McShane, Said Ezatolahi and Jordan Obita are all unavailable through injury.

Obita has had two knee operations since he suffered a horror injury against Hull City in September 2017.

Gomes explained: “He has an appointment soon and it’s better if the medical department makes a clear report to let supporters and journalists who ask about him know. I don’t have any problem with that.”

Meanwhile, Forest confirmed first-team coach Simon Ireland has been named caretaker manager for Saturday’s fixture following the shock departure of Aitor Karanca this morning.

Relegation-threatened Reading have not won in 10 Championship matches stretching back to a 3-2 home win against Bristol City in early November.

Forest lost 2-0 at Chelsea in the FA Cup last weekend, but their last league fixture ended in a 4-2 home win against Championship leaders Leeds United to take them up to seventh in the table.