Reading FC star to miss final Portsmouth friendly.

Reading manager Noel Hunt has revealed that top scorer Harvey Knibbs will not play in Saturday’s pre-season friendly against Portsmouth.

The 16-goal midfielder has finished in the top three for Player of the Season in each of his two seasons and has established himself as a fan favourite.

However, after suffering a knock in the penultimate game of last season, the former Cambridge United player has been working his way back to fitness this summer.

To make matters worse, the forward has attracted interest from Championship clubs as he enters the final year of his contract, casting doubt on his future with the Royals.

Confirming the interest following Saturday’s 2-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur, the manager stated that the club has a figure in mind, and the talisman will not leave for anything less.

Knibbs will miss Saturday’s final pre-season game at the request of the physio team after returning to the grass and completing full training during the week. “Harvey is still our player and is here, training on the grass,” Hunt stated ahead of Pompey’s arrival.

“He’s in full training, but he spoke with the physios and he’s not quite ready to play at the weekend, but as far as I know, and I haven’t been told otherwise, he’s still a Reading player.”If something is going to happen, I’d rather it happen sooner so we can plan accordingly and get the squad that will be here as tight as possible.

If it is going to happen, it must happen within the next week or so, or we will plan on keeping him here.” Reading will open their League One account for the 2025/26 season on August 2 in Lincoln City.

The transfer window closes at 7 p.m. on September 1, and Hunt is still hoping for three or four new faces.

Read more on sportupdates.co.uk