Reading's head of sports medicine Luke Anthony has refused to rule goalkeeper Alex McCarthy out for the remainder of the season.
The 23-year-old revealed last week that he would be absent for the rest of the campaign after suffering a shoulder injury.
The club have confirmed that the shot-stopper underwent successful surgery this week and Anthony has claimed that the club won't set a date for McCarthy's return.
"Understandably supporters will ask how long Alex will be out and it's difficult to put a time frame on his return," Anthony told the club's official website.
"The most important thing is for Alex to make a full recovery and return in optimal condition. If that allows him to return before the end of the season then that is something we will try for."
McCarthy picked up the problem during the Royals' 1-1 draw with Queens Park Rangers on November 4.
