Wednesday 24 August 2016 11:58, UK
Reading manager Jaap Stam is hoping that midfielder Liam Kelly and striker Deniss Rakels do not face long lay-offs through injury.
Both were carried off as Championship Reading defeated League One MK Dons 4-2 on penalties, after a 2-2 draw, in the second round of the EFL Cup.
Rakels sustained an ankle problem while Kelly a cut eyebrow and nose after a clash of heads with team-mate Jake Cooper.
"Deniss is going to the hospital," Stam said. "It was a bad challenge on his ankle. We're not sure if it's very bad. It's not a good sign. He will have X-rays tonight.
"Liam has a cut in his eyebrow and on his nose. He had a lot of stiches in his face. We don't know if he's got concussion as well. One side of his face is swollen. We need to find out what is what tomorrow."
Stam also praised winger Callum Harriott, who scored twice with his first goals for the club.
"We are always looking for players who can score goals," Stam said. "He has talent, quality and is very quick. He can get past opponents very easily."
Of the game, Stam added. "You have to finish these games off as quick as you can. We couldn't do that and when you get these injuries as well, that makes it even harder."
A youthful MK side went in front in the 34th minute when Dean Bowditch slotted home a penalty after Reading goalkeeper Anssi Jaakkola had fouled Kabongo Tshimanga.
Reading equalised through Harriott's first effort in the 69th minute, a fine curling finish, and went ahead with a similar effort six minutes from the end of extra time. But Tshimanaga levelled in the 118th minute.
MK's Ben Reeves and Samir Carruthers both missed in the shoot-out, with Reading left back Jordan Obita striking the winning spot-kick.
"With the kids we had on show, we did really well," MK boss Karl Robinson said. "Someone said two of my players were born after the Madejski Stadium was opened [1998].
"But that just shows the strength of our academy and our belief in how we go about things. I was very proud of my kids.
"We're a League One team who I think is one that is forming a tremendous reputation. We're a recognisable team with a style and a way of playing that, I think, is commendable towards the players.
"We came here with kids and I think that, with the mentality of them, we would have to sit in and play slightly differently to how we normally play.
"I thought that we looked a lot fitter than Reading in the second half. It was no disgrace to be beaten on penalties by a Reading side who have ambitions of getting in the top ten of the Championship."
