Federici injury worse than thought

Unlucky ... Adam Federici is out at a crucial time. Source: Tony Marshall / AAP

Socceroos goalkeeper Adam Federici is set to miss a large part of Reading's fight for survival in the Barclays Premier League after revelations that his ankle injury is far more severe than first thought.

Initial reports out of the UK suggested the shotstopper would only miss one to two games but Fox Sports understands he's set to be sidelined for a further month following a training mishap that left his ligaments badly damaged.

Ruled out of Australia's squad to face Oman on March 26 as a result,  the setback has disrupted an excellent run of form for Federici who was performing as well as any goalkeeper in the Premier League prior to the mishap.

It's also a monumental blow to Reading's hopes of retaining their Premier League status, particularly after their loss to Aston Villa on the weekend. That defeat came after long-time manager Brian McDermott was axed in a desperate bid to rejuvenate their form.

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