CORRY Evans could be added to the Blackburn Rovers injury list with the recurrence of a long-standing groin injury.

The midfielder was taken off in the second half of the 3-2 defeat to Brighton on Tuesday, and is doubtful for the game against Reading on Saturday.

The Northern Irishman missed the opening weeks of the season with the injury, but has been a fixture in the Rovers midfield since his return in September.

Manager Owen Coyle said: "He has a groin problem for the last few years, this is not something new.

"Ideally we want a fit Corry Evans to be available for every game because he is a wonderful player and certainly adds something to our team.

"In recent weeks Corry would get to 70 0r 75 minutes and has had to come off in a few games so we've been trying to get to the root cause of what can make it better and take it from there.

"If the game was game was Friday, then he wouldn't be fit, but hopefully with an extra day we can take it from there."

Charlie Mulgrew is definitely ruled out of the game with Reading, with Tommie Hoban and Elliott Ward longer-term absentees.

Gordon Greer is suspended, while Danny Guthrie is also struggling to make the game with a knock.

Should Evans not be passed fit, Hope Akpan, his replacement in the Brighton defeat, would be the most likely to fill the midfield void, though Manchester City loanee Jack Byrne could also be an option to partner skipper Jason Lowe.