Tom O'Connor ruled out Peterborough United's trip to Reading but George Nevett and Jacob Mendy nearing return

The central defender missed Saturday’s FA Cup defat to Barnsley after limping out of the previous day’s training session with a calf problem.

Luke Williams has once again reiterated his thoughts that it will not be a long absence but Tuesday’s trip to the Select Car Leasing Stadium is set to come too soon.

David Okagbue and Tom Lees therefore look likely to continue their partnership at the heart of the Posh defence.

Williams said: “He trained very light today today (Monday) to give him the maximum recovery time. We don’t think it is something that will sideline him for very long. We don’t need to make any rash decisions with him, we have other players in the squad.

Tom is s really important player for us and we have to make sure that he is available for the majority of games not one.”

Williams has also backed 35-year-old Tom Lees to deal with the rigours of three games in a week as Posh head into a busy December period and may soon have the help of George Nevett as he nears a return from injury. Nevett has not appeared for Posh since Darren Ferguson’s final game in charge on October 25.

Jacob Mendy has also returned to the club and is training again after limping out of Posh’s defeat at Bolton on October 4.

Williams added: “I think Tom can manage three games in a week. He’s such a good professional who will do absolutely everything he can to recover. Tom will (O’Connor will be available very soon and David has done a really good job there. We will be fine but we would rather have a fit and healthy Tom Lees as well.

"George has been back in training and that’s really positive for the squad.

"Jacob has had treatment at Wrexham and has returned in really good shape and headspace. He’s looking really good in training. Hopefully Harley continues to play really, really well and get a lot of minutes but you still need cover for someone playing so well and Jacob really improves the squad.”